Deer Rescued by Wellesley Police and Fire

MASSACHUSETTS -- Wellesley Police and firefighters were sent to the corner of Glen Road and Springdale Road for an unusual call on Sunday, February 28, 2010. A resident reported that a deer was trapped in a muddy pond at the rear of a residence.

Arriving officers and firefighters found a deer stuck in very thick mud. The mud, snow and ice had recently thawed and was several feet deep. The deer’s rear legs had sunk and were not visible. The animal appeared injured, and struggled to keep its head out of the mud. The deer was clearly not able to free itself, so rescuers went to work.
 

Sgt. Glen Gerrans stabilized the deer’s head, while members of the Wellesley Fire department secured gear to assist in the extrication. Sue Webb, the animal control officer, and members of the Boston Animal Rescue League also responded to the incident to lend their expertise.

Rescuers themselves were hindered by the deep, thick mud and lack of footing as they entered the flooded pond. Wellesley Fire Lieutenant Chuck DiGiandomenico, wearing a survival suit, managed to dig a hole underneath the animal and attach a rope line to the deer’s midsection.

Lt. DiGiandomenico then was able to dig and clear some of the mud away, breaking the suction of the mud. With the help of other rescuers, the team then physically pulled the deer out of the mud and on to dry land.

Wellesley Fire Lieutenant Chuck DiGiandomenico works to free the deer.

A cheer went up through a small crowd that had gathered on Glen Road to watch the rescue as the deer was pulled free. Wellesley Police officers and firefighters then put the animal on a stretcher and carried the deer through the woods and across a stream to a waiting Boston Animal Rescue League vehicle.

The deer was going to be evaluated for injuries at the Rescue League.

(Wellesley Police - Feb 28, 2010)