Texas ranch owners are condemning balloon releases after their deer reportedly suffered some nasty injuries as a result. Owners of 4 Generations Ranch in Central Texas said that when they went to feed their animals on Saturday, they found three of their deer with large gashes all over their bodies and their hearts racing.
However, it wasn’t a typical predator like a bobcat, snake, or coyote that caused the deer harm. Instead, balloons someone released reportedly landed inside the pen where the deer were contained at the Crawford, Texas ranch, spooking the skittish creatures, and resulting in them running into a fence as they tried to escape the unknown floating objects.
Photos shared by the ranch show a string of pink, black, blue and orange balloons found on the property. It’s the second time in less than eight months that the deer have been “traumatized” by balloons, though the first time they were able to avoid injury, the ranch said.
Now, co-owner Hunter Meyer is warning others of the hazards of balloon launches. Not only can balloons frighten animals, they can also cause harm if ingested.
“There are so many other options to celebrate or mourn,” Meyer told Chron. “I truly think people just don’t know the dangers of releasing balloons.”
If people do choose to use balloons for events, Meyer encourages them to cut them and properly dispose of them once they are done.
“They can travel several miles, so just because you don’t live by a ranch does not mean it won’t affect someone’s baby,” she said. Meyer said the deer are recovering and she will be posting updates on their condition as they continue to heal.
Mass balloon releases have wreaked havoc for the environment and wildlife around the country. So far, legislation has been passed in California, Connecticut, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia banning or restricting launches.
During the 2023 legislative session in Texas last year, a bill that would outlaw intentional balloon releases was introduced but was left pending in committee. Meyers is trying to revive the bill by encouraging her Facebook followers to contact their local representatives.
Locally, cities along the Texas coast have taken steps to combat balloon litter. In 2021, Galveston passed an ordinance banning balloon releases in response to mylar and latex balloons that have littered beaches.
Surfside Beach’s Save Our Beach Association regularly encourages people to memorialize loved one by planting sea oats to help strengthen and build sand dunes instead.
This article by Ariana Garcia was first published by Chron on 21 May 2024. Lead Image: Deer at 4 Generations Ranch in Crawford, Texas suffered nasty injuries after getting spooked by balloons and running into a fence. 4 Generations Ranch.
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