Deer at Hollywood Reservoir Found with Bone Stuck in Mouth; Wildlife Officials Working to Help

A female deer has been spotted near the Hollywood Reservoir with a bone lodged in its mouth, and local wildlife officials are doing everything they can to assist the animal. The situation is dire, and California Fish and Wildlife biologist Kevin Howells admits, "This is the first time I’ve ever seen anything like this."

A distressing situation has unfolded near the Hollywood Reservoir, where a female deer was spotted with a bone lodged in her mouth. Wildlife officials are actively working to provide the animal with assistance, but the task has proven to be challenging. The incident has drawn attention from both wildlife authorities and private rescuers, who are concerned about the deer’s condition and the difficulties involved in rescuing her.

Kevin Howells, a biologist with California Fish and Wildlife, admitted that the situation is highly unusual. "This is the first time I've ever seen anything like this," he remarked, reflecting on the complexity of the case. According to Howells, the bone stuck in the deer’s mouth appears to be a femur, although he could not determine which animal it came from. While deer typically graze on plants and foliage, they occasionally chew on bones to obtain minerals lacking in their usual diet. "They chew on bones infrequently," Howells explained, "and they look to get minerals from bones that they are not getting from elsewhere in their diet."

Howells last spotted the deer on Monday, resting between two trees near the entrance to the reservoir. However, capturing the animal to administer aid is no simple task. The area around the reservoir presents unique challenges for darting a deer. "It takes about 10 minutes for the drug to take effect," Howells explained, "which gives the deer enough time to run off and hide before we can reach her."

The deer’s condition is clearly deteriorating, as she is not only struggling with the bone in her mouth but also showing signs of malnutrition and fear. "She’s wounded. She’s injured. She feels vulnerable," Howells described, emphasizing the deer’s fragile state. "She’s malnourished and scared." The animal’s weakened condition adds a sense of urgency to the rescue efforts, making it critical for officials to act before her health worsens further.

Private animal rescuer Austin Muhs has also become involved in the case after spotting the deer’s picture on social media. Deeply concerned about the animal’s welfare, Muhs expressed the gravity of the situation. "I’m very, very concerned," he stated. "What Howells is trying to do is very delicate, and the deer is already in a very bad spot in terms of being emaciated and all that." Muhs's involvement underscores the shared concern between public officials and private rescuers, all working toward the same goal of helping the distressed animal.

Despite the obstacles, Howells remains vigilant, keeping a close watch on the deer in hopes of securing the right moment to act. "I'm just hoping to get an opportunity to chemically immobilize her," he said, "so I can assess the wounds and attempt to remove the bone if possible."

The case highlights the difficulties of wildlife rescue in urban settings, where time and terrain can complicate efforts to help injured animals. Both Howells and Muhs recognize the urgency, but their approach must balance speed with caution to avoid further harm to the deer. For now, the animal’s fate rests on the hope that rescuers can intervene before it is too late.

In situations like this, even experienced wildlife experts face unpredictable challenges. The combination of the deer’s poor health, her instinct to flee, and the tough location near the reservoir means that every step requires careful planning. As the rescue efforts continue, both officials and concerned citizens hope for a positive outcome, where the deer can recover and return to the wild, free from the painful obstruction and able to regain her strength.