Assistant Platoon Chief Kevin Bettesworth, Lieutenant Kyle Reimer, Firefighter Todd Lucacs and Firefighter Ross Whitford were put to the task Saturday of rescuing two does from the icy water of the Gaetz Lakes. (Supplied)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

doh!

Pair of deer rescued from frozen lake by Red Deer Emergency Services

Oct 31, 2020 | 2:38 PM

A pair of doe will live to swim another day after Red Deer Emergency Services rescued them from icy waters on Saturday.

Matt Ree, assistant to the deputy chief, says they received a call from a bystander around 11 a.m. about two deer stuck in the ice at the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary.

“Our rescue truck and water rescue team affected their rescue of both animals with a rapid deployable craft. They went out into the water, and both deer were tired enough that members were able to approach them with no issues,” Ree shares. “They were too tired to swim any longer, so members broke the ice shelf back to shore where both deer got out of the water cold, but still alive.”

The ice on the lake is currently up to three inches thick, so at one point, Ree says, the deer must have attempted walking across the lake before falling in with no way out.

A doe could be seen trying to stay afloat as Red Deer Emergency Services arrived at the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary on Saturday. (Supplied)

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Once the escape was complete, one doe needed rest immediately, while the other bounded off before laying down about 30 yards away.

“One we had to drag up on shore, and she’s recovering in the sun,” Ree says.

Spruce View-based Medicine River Wildlife Centre has been notified and is headed to the scene to take a look at both animals.

Ree says this isn’t the first time they’ve assisted an animal, but typically the first people to call when you see an animal in distress is Fish and Wildlife.

There’s also a lesson to be learned, for humans, he adds.

“Be cognizant around any types of water bodies this time of year,” he says. “There is danger, so be extra cautious.”

To contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife in Red Deer about an animal who is hurt and can’t move, call 403-340-7052. Numbers for other communities are at Alberta.ca. The province also recommends this list of agencies, including the Medicine River Wildlife Centre, for other scenarios.