Deer Trapped In Frozen Waters Rescued By Suffolk County First Responders

Photo Courtesy: John Walthers / Suffolk Fire Photos

MASTIC BEACH, NY - The Mastic Beach Fire Department responded to Smith Point Park at around 4:27PM for reports of an animal rescue involving a deer that fell through frozen bay waters.

After arriving on the scene, Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau officers and Suffolk County Park Rangers located a deer in distress that fell through partially frozen waters on the bayside of the park. The deer was seen hanging onto the shelf of ice after breaking through an area that cracked.

Two rescue divers in cold water gear were deployed to start the rescue process. After securing the deer onto the rescue sled, the rescue swimmer and deer were pulled back by firefighters and police officers on the shoreline.

Despite the freezing cold water temperatures, the deer was recovered alive and was warmed up by first responders wrapping it in blankets. A wildlife rescue organization was notified and responded to the scene to further evaluate the animal.