A Sudden Roadblock
The heavy rubber of a discarded car tire pressed tightly against the wet asphalt as the large stag rested his head on the white line.
Rain slicked the mountain pass, reflecting the hazard lights flashing from a stopped vehicle just yards behind.
The animal lay pinned under the weight around his neck, breathing slowly as water dripped from his wide rack of antlers.
A driver stepped out into the mist, pulling on work gloves and slowing his gait as he approached the shoulder.
Careful Approach
He dropped to one knee on the damp road, keeping his body low and extending an open palm toward the deer’s flank.
The stag rolled his eyes toward the man, his chest rising and falling against the cold pavement.
Gently resting a hand against the coarse brown fur, the man spoke in low, measured tones to keep the animal still.
He placed a protective thick pad directly between the animal’s hide and the thick rubber rim.
Slipping on safety glasses and ear protection, he retrieved a small chainsaw from the back of his vehicle.
The Delicate Cut
The motor buzzed to life, its teeth biting slowly into the outer tread of the tire away from the deer’s flesh.
Friction threw fine black dust across the protective cloth as the metal guide bar moved downward millimeter by millimeter.
The stag remained pressed against the road, his ears twitching backward at the mechanical hum above his neck.
With a final controlled push, the saw sliced through the inner steel bead, and the engine cut off.
He set the tool down on the wet pavement and reached in with both hands to pry the separated rubber halves apart.
Back To The Forest
Gripping each side of the split tire, he eased the heavy loop forward over the deer’s ears and past the broad antler points.
The freed animal raised his head, planting his front hooves firmly onto the wet asphalt.
Pushing his weight upward, the stag stood tall, shook the rainwater from his coat, and stepped onto the green slope.
He paused on the grassy verge, turning his head back toward the man standing beside the open trunk on the empty road.
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