Stranded Deer Rescued in Dramatic High Seas Rescue

Rescued 4 miles offshore; 2 struggling deer saved by wildlife troopers, boated to island safety

Wildlife troopers in Alaska rescued two deer that were found swimming about 4 miles offshore, struggling against frigid waters and the current.
The deer were discovered by Sgt. Mark Finses and trooper Kyle Feuge, who were returning from a patrol in nearby Ernest Sound to Ketchikan on October 10.
The rescued deer swam to the troopers' boat and signaled that they wanted on board by butting their heads against the side of the boat.
One of the deer was notably in worse shape than its companion, with both shivering due to the cold water whose average temperature in October is about 50.4 degrees.
After being brought on board and transported to shore, the deer initially struggled to stand and walk due to exhaustion, but were eventually able to trot off into the wilderness.