An exhausted deer who was unable to stand and stranded about 600 feet out on the ice of Lake Zoar in Oxford, Connecticut, was rescued thanks to the skilled response of local firefighters and EMS crews, according to The Weather Channel.
Just days after Christmas, Quaker Farms Fire Company firefighters and Oxford EMS were called to the scene following a report of a deer stuck on the frozen lake.
Wearing wet water suits for protection, rescuers steered an inflatable boat equipped with a long rope over the ice to retrieve the animal, then appeared to be pulled safely back to shore by other crew members.
Once back on land, the deer was placed in the care of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for evaluation.
This incident highlights the risks wildlife face during winter conditions, when ice and freezing temperatures can create dangerous situations, and how skilled, compassionate human intervention can make all the difference.
Lady Freethinker is grateful to the firefighters, EMS responders, and wildlife officials who worked together to save this deer and provide the care needed.
