Baby deer was trapped in a culvert. Then a deputy jumped into action, SC photos show
A baby deer was stuck in a culvert — then a deputy jumped into action, South Carolina photos show.
Deputy Nicholas Gaddy spotted the trapped fawn and squeezed down into a “confined space” to pull the animal to safety on May 2, according to the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office.
“We’re here to help — no matter how many legs you have,” deputies wrote in a Facebook post.
The rescue was reported just before 8:30 a.m. in the Carolina Park area of Mount Pleasant, a town near the tourist hot spot of Charleston. The deer was sitting in a drainage tube, apparently unable to get out, according to deputies and a photo shared on social media.
Officials said they requested the S.C. Department of Natural Resources “but their ETA was unknown, so the deputy decided to act.” That’s when Gaddy made a tight squeeze to free the young deer, the sheriff’s office told McClatchy News in an email.
After the rescue, Gaddy was seen holding the fawn. The animal later was released, deputies said.
White-tailed deer are found across South Carolina and are known for their adaptability. People who see fawns by themselves are urged to leave the animals alone, as their mothers may be nearby. But if you know a baby deer is orphaned, wildlife officials recommend calling 803-734-3886 or 843-953-9300 for expert help.
This story was originally published May 9, 2023 at 1:10 PM with the headline "Baby deer was trapped in a culvert. Then a deputy jumped into action, SC photos show."
