A troubled elk has been photographed wandering around a Denver golf course with a can jammed on its hoof.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife tweeted the disturbing images Thursday showing the elk struggling at the city’s Evergreen Golf Course.
“A young bull elk was spotted on the Evergreen Golf Course, having a hard time getting around because it had a can on its front left leg,” the park service wrote.

And it added a reminder to not litter.
“Please be sure to properly dispose of your trash,”
A young bull elk was spotted on the Evergreen Golf Course, having a hard time getting around because it had a can on its front left leg.
— CPW NE Region (@CPW_NE) October 1, 2020
Please be sure to properly dispose of your trash. pic.twitter.com/f5S60VlOIF
The park service said it isn’t aware of anyone being able to help the animal — yet.
But elk sightings at the course, considered Denver’s “signature mountain course” are common, so hopefully someone can intervene soon.
“But we’ll be sure to let people know if that takes place,” parks and wildlife officials added.
And on Friday afternoon they did.
The elk went from this.

To tracked down and rescued from its aluminum trap.
The elk just needed to be stopped in his tracks for a bit.
UPDATE: (1/3) Wildlife Officer Nicholson was able to catch up with this young bull elk to remove the old quart can from its hoof in Evergreen. https://t.co/XGQPmtagnz pic.twitter.com/Xyoz87C4WG
— CPW NE Region (@CPW_NE) October 2, 2020
“The bull elk was a little slow waking up from the immobilization shot so Officer Nicholson could remove the can, but eventually he got up and was on his way,” officials added.
(2/3) The bull elk was a little slow waking up from the immobilization shot so Officer Nicholson could remove the can, but eventually he got up and was on his way. pic.twitter.com/MRdzhVmPiA
— CPW NE Region (@CPW_NE) October 2, 2020
And then, freedom.
(3/3) One handsome young bull. It is good to have him freed of the can on its hoof. pic.twitter.com/JgG7DSY54J
— CPW NE Region (@CPW_NE) October 2, 2020
Photos: CPWNE Region/Twitter