Alaska Wildlife Troopers Rescue Deer From Cold Waters In Southeast

The Associated Press released the video above shot by Alaska Wildlife Troopers, who rescued distressed deer in frigid Southeast Alaska waters. Here’s more from the AP:

Sgt. Mark Finses and Trooper Kyle Feuge were returning from a patrol in nearby Ernest Sound to Ketchikan on Oct. 10 when they spotted the deer, agency spokesperson Justin Freeman said in an email to The Associated Press. …

The deer were floating down Clarence Strait about 14 miles northwest of Ketchikan, but not toward any particular island, Freeman said. They were fighting the current during mid-tide. …

When the deer reached the boat, they butted their heads against it, then swam right up the swim step, at which point the troopers helped them get the rest of the way onboard. Once in the boat, the deer shivered from their time in the cold water. The average temperature of the water in Ketchikan in October is 50.4 degrees Fahrenheit (10.2 degrees Celsius), according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.