Ohio wildlife officials warn how Halloween decorations can impact wildlife

OHIO — Monday marked the first day of fall, which means many Ohioans may be starting to set up their Halloween decor.

Among the fake cobwebs, giant skeletons and hauntingly colorful lights is a decoration that is issuing a warning from wildlife officials: plastic pumpkins. 

These are the same kind of pumpkins that trick-or-treaters may use with the plastic black handle. The Ohio Division of Wildlife said animals, such as deer, could end up getting stuck if they get too curious as to what’s inside the bucket. 

“Without fail, every year, we see a scene like this: a deer with a plastic Halloween pumpkin on its head,” the Ohio Division of Wildlife wrote in a Facebook post. “We’d appreciate it if you kept these pumpkins indoors, but if they are part of your outdoor decor, please cut the thin plastic handle from them.”