Alaska Wildlife Troopers Rescue Two Distressed Deer in Icy Waters by Providing Boat Transport

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In a rare occurrence, two deer found floundering in the chilly waters of Alaska’s renowned Inside Passage were safely brought ashore, courtesy of a rescue operation by Alaska Wildlife Troopers.

Sgt. Mark Finses and Trooper Kyle Feuge were en route back to Ketchikan from a nearby Ernest Sound patrol on October 10, when they noticed the struggling animals, according to agency representative Justin Freeman, who communicated the details via email to The Big Big News.

Situated approximately 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) from the closest island within the channel—a popular route for summer cruise ships headed to destinations such as Ketchikan and Juneau—the deer were found drifting in Clarence Strait. Positioned around 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) northwest of Ketchikan, the animals were not moving in the direction of any specific island and were contending with the current at mid-tide.

Describing the dire state of the deer, Sgt. Finses stated in a video captured on his phone, “They were severely distressed, almost at the end of their stamina,” a sentiment later shared on social media by the troopers.

In an effort to rescue the animals, the troopers maneuvered their 33-foot (10-meter) patrol boat to a distance of approximately 150 yards (137 meters) from the deer. Sensing the approaching vessel, the deer swam towards it. The boat’s engines were subsequently turned off to prevent startling the animals. Upon reaching the boat, the deer nudged their heads against it and ascended the swim step, allowing the troopers to assist them on board. Suffering from their prolonged exposure to the frigid waters—with an average October temperature in Ketchikan waters being 50.4 degrees Fahrenheit (10.2 degrees Celsius) as per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—the deer were noticeably shivering.

“I am completely drenched,” Sgt. Finses remarked in the video, adding, “I had to physically lift them in an embrace to remove them from our deck and place them on the shore.”

Once on terra firma, the deer initially struggled with mobility, as Freeman noted. However, after some time, they managed to regain their footing and eventually trotted away, completely unharmed.

While it is not unusual to observe deer swimming between islands in the waters of southeast Alaska, it is exceedingly rare for deer to approach a boat with the intention of boarding it, stated Freeman.

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Note: This article has been revised to correct the spelling of Trooper Kyle Feuge’s last name. Previously, it was incorrectly spelled as Fuege.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Alaska Wildlife Troopers rescue

More about Alaska Wildlife Troopers rescue

• Alaska Wildlife Troopers Official Website
• Inside Passage Tourist Information
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Water Temperature Data
• Animal Rescue Operations in Alaska
• Ketchikan Local News Coverage of the Rescue Event