Deer Rescued after Falling through Orchard Lake Ice

ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE, Mich. (WJBK) - Firefighters braved the cold waters of Orchard Lake to rescue a deer who fell through a thin sheet of ice nearly 50 yards off the shore.

FOX 2's Al Allen reports homeowner Jagdish Vani noticed the deer struggling in the waters around 6 a.m. Tuesday and notified West Bloomfield Township police. Fire crews arrived shortly afterwards. Lt. Hal Burtzloff tells Allen that men in ice rescue suits went out onto the lake, secured the deer with a rope and pulled her onto thicker ice before helping her to shore.

"It was quite thrilling to see that they saved the deer from the ice," said Vani.

The deer was covered with a blanket and crews called a local veterinarian to the scene. The vet says the deers suffered from a slight case of hypothermia.

Allen says the deer is thawing herself out on the shore and is expected to be alright.

Deer rescues are not uncommon during the winter months. Officials tell Allen they're called on several every year.