PRIOR LAKE, Minn. — A deer with some decision-making issues is likely still chilled, perhaps a touch ice-covered but alive thanks to some big-hearted humans who pulled him from a lake in the south metro Monday.
Prior Lake city spokesman Jeffrey DeMars says residents on Pike Lake called 911 around 10 a.m. after seeing a deer struggling to stand up on the thin ice that had formed in recent days. Prior Lake firefighters put on their ice rescue gear, attached themselves to ropes and crawled out on the ice to rescue the scared creature.
DeMars says the first responders were able to carefully push the buck along the ice until they reached the shoreline of Pike Lake.
The deer, worn out from the ordeal, rested and got his bearings before heading on his way, hopefully a bit wiser for the experience.
Firearms season B, which includes the southern Twin Cities metro, just wrapped yesterday. "The buck made it through that," DeMars wrote. "Here's hoping he makes it through this as well."
While professionals can venture out on ice like we're currently seeing in central Minnesota (with specialized, buoyant safety gear), the DNR reminds all Minnesotans that 4 inches of strong, clear ice is needed for safe walking, and more is necessary if you are to take a snowmobile, ATV or vehicle out. We are likely weeks away from ice of that quality and thickness.
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