Youbou residents looking for 2 elk trapped in fencing, wire

Residents of Youbou, on the north shore of Cowichan Lake, are searching for two elk who have become entangled in debris.

Denis Martelwith the Valley Fish & Game Clubsays it's important to quickly find the animals, nicknamed "Monster Mesh" (who is caught up in gardening mesh and other fencing) and "Line Dancer" (who has aclothing line double-wrapped around his mouth).

"This is their mating season. So if they're out there sparring and fighting, you want that to happen on an even keel," Martel told All Points West host Robyn Burns.

"With them having all this wrapped around them, they'll be at a disadvantage. They could be fatally injured."

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Martel says animals getting caught in things like fencing is a somewhat common occurrence in the community.

Elk wander through residences to get access to lake water and often stop in gardens to snack on whatever is growing in the backyards of Youbou.

When animals do get tangled up, Martel says, fights with other elk aren't the only concern.

"With Line Dancer, for example, that wire is getting tighter and tighter. He is having problems eating, because I've seen him try and eat apples. All the juice flows from both sides of his mouth," he said. "He's getting some food intakebut not very much."

Martel says many people in Youbou are looking for the elk, and once they're spotted, he says the Conservation Service will be called in to tranquilize the animals, so the obstructions can be removed.

Martel says Monster Mesh was last seen Thursday andLine Dancer was seen a week ago Monday.

Residents who see the animals are asked to call the Conservation Service.

With files from CBC RadioOne's All Points West

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