September 29, 2026 – Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office officials report that on the morning of September 26, 2026, an Animal Control Officer responded to the area of Summerville High School regarding a buck entangled in a soccer goal net. Upon arrival, the officer observed that the buck’s antlers were completely wrapped in the netting, making it unsafe to cut the net without risking injury to either the officer or the deer.

A Supervising Animal Control Officer arrived on scene and determined that while the buck was in distress, there were no visible fractures or serious injuries. The supervisor then requested assistance from our veterinary medical team.

Our Animal Control Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and an Animal Control veterinarian arrived on scene to assist. Staff consulted with the Fish and Wildlife Service, who granted approval before the buck was sedated. The team successfully sedated the buck, carefully cut away the netting, and completed a health evaluation. Because medication was administered, the buck was properly tagged in accordance with wildlife protocols.

The veterinary team then safely restored the buck to consciousness. Once cleared, the buck was able to walk away on his own back into his natural habitat.

Operations like this highlight the dedication, professional skill, and compassionate care our team provides to protect both our community and local wildlife.

View video here. 

Source: Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office