Animal rescue group responds to fallen deer through ice

A young deer that fell through the ice in Tiny Township, Ont. on Sun., Jan. 19, 2026.

An animal rescue group and the warmth of the community helped to ensure a deer made it out of the ice-cold water on Sunday morning in Tiny Township.

The Simcoe County Emergency Animal Response (SCEAR) team said they received a call about a young deer that had fallen through the ice and couldn’t get up. The SCEAR arrived at the scene and found the animal on a piece of floating ice about 50 feet from the nearest solid ice close to shore.

The SCEAR team worked with a couple of other wildlife rescues in the region to come up with a safe rescue plan. While they were trying to figure out how to go about saving the deer, they notice the wind had changed and the current of the water had managed to transport the deer close enough to solid ice. The deer ended up being able to save itself and walk right out into a nearby wooded area.

The team said they checked out the surrounded area to make sure the deer wasn’t injured. It turned out they couldn’t locate it and said they were thinking that might have been a good sign.

During the ordeal, the team said many residents came out ready and willing to help if needed.

The team highlighted that community donations are important to help with proper training, equipment and funding for things like ice and cold-water rescues.

The Simcoe County Emergency Animal Response is a volunteer-led team that responds, rescues and assists domestic animals, wildlife and livestock in urgent situations.