BEDFORD, Ohio — As reported by Fox 8 News, emergency crews responded Saturday morning after a deer fell through the ice of a frozen pond in Bedford.
The Bedford Fire Department shared details of the rescue on social media, explaining that firefighters worked alongside the Eastside Technical Rescue Team to bring the animal — and a well-meaning bystander — to safety.
Before crews arrived, a civilian had attempted to reach the distressed deer using a personal boat. The animal managed to get close to shore at one point but returned to deeper water, leaving only its head visible above the surface.
Shortly after 9 a.m., members of the Eastside Technical Rescue Team were dispatched to assist. Two rescuers wearing specialized cold-water suits first helped the bystander out of the pond. They then secured the deer using an ice rescue sling and carefully pulled it from the water, hauling it up a nearby ravine.
Once freed, the deer quickly ran off into the woods.
Following the incident, fire officials reminded residents that no ice should be considered safe. They emphasized that attempting rescues without proper protective equipment and training can be extremely dangerous, with risks including exhaustion, falling through the ice, and rapid onset hypothermia. Officials urged residents to contact trained emergency personnel rather than attempting dangerous rescues themselves.
