Animal Rescues Highlight Community Spirit and Kindness

On December 10, 2023, members of the Ithaca Fire Department, in collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, rescued a deer stranded on a frozen waterway in Upstate New York.

The incident occurred along the Cayuga Inlet, where icy conditions had trapped the deer. Firefighter Brandon Cary, equipped with ice rescue gear, carefully navigated the slippery surface to secure the deer with a rescue device.

After successfully pulling the animal to shore, another firefighter assisted in guiding it back onto solid ground. Before releasing the deer, Cary offered gentle pats to ensure its comfort. The Ithaca Fire Department reported that the deer was cold but uninjured.

Following the rescue, the department urged the public to exercise caution around frozen waterways, highlighting the unpredictable nature of ice conditions. The Department of Environmental Conservation also emphasized practicing ice safety, advising that clear, newly formed ice on nonmoving water should be at least four inches thick before venturing out.

Caution is particularly important near shorelines and areas with moving water.