A Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer has been dubbed a 'Deer Hero' for saving three mule deer across different days in Archuleta County.

Footage shows the distressed animals as District Wildlife Manager Cody Rarick conducted a series of rescues, as reported by authorities on October 11.

In one operation, he found a mule deer doe with its front hooves entangled in plastic, possibly from a bicycle pedal.

After carefully freeing the deer, Rarick monitored her recovery, ensuring her safety from local dogs until she regained her strength and rejoined her herd.

In another dramatic rescue, he discovered a mule deer with a tomato cage wrapped around its torso. Once freed, the deer received a reversal drug, enabling it to stand and return to the wild.

Earlier, Rarick saved a mule deer by removing a bucket lid from around its neck, with reports dating back to August 12.

The mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) is a species indigenous to western North America, named for its large ears that resemble a mule. Several subspecies include the black-tailed deer.