Local, State Agencies Collaborate to Rescue and Release Trapped Buck in California
OutdoorHub 02.08.12
A male deer was rescued today from an irrigation canal in north Sacramento,thanks to the help of state and local rescue personnel. The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) collaborated with the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District (SacMetro Fire) and the Office of Emergency Services (OES) to save the frightened buck from its unusual predicament.
The buck was trapped in a rain-swollen irrigation canal adjacent to Sunrise Boulevard. He was first spotted by a concerned citizen who called 911. Upon arrival, DFG wardens saw the panicked deer fighting for its life and immediately improvised a rescue plan.
Using a motor boat, a rope and the strength of 10 men and women, the deer was successfully lassoed and pulled to safety on the opposite side of the canal, where a state licensed veterinarian was on hand to inspect and treat it. Though it was exhausted, cold and wet, and had suffered scrapes on its hooves in its effort to escape, the deer was in otherwise good condition, said DFG Warden Patrick Foy.
“I am very pleased and impressed with my fellow first responders at SacMetro Fire and OES,” Foy said. “Our collaborative efforts were well-thought out and rescue personnel safety was an important consideration. Although deer are very good swimmers and can survive for a period of time in the water, it was evident that this strong male buck was exhausting himself and we had a short window of time for rescue.”
After the rescue, the buck was transported and released in the north Sunrise area far from the canal.
