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Heroic Golden Retriever Rescues Drowning Baby Deer

Dog Saves Drowning Deer
Image by Mark Freeley via Youtube

Off the shores of Long Island, New York, a golden retriever named Storm took up lifeguarding to save a very lost deer.

Introduction

A dog in water helping a golden retriever-like deer that appears to be drowning
Screenshot from “Dog Saves Deer From Drowning,” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: The Dodo

During a routine morning walk, Storm’s keen eyes spotted a struggling animal in the sea, fighting the current. Courageously, he plunged into the water to try and help.

Unlikely Lifesaver

A dog swimming alongside a deer in water, guiding it towards the shore
Screenshot from “Dog Saves Deer From Drowning,” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: The Dodo

But Storm didn’t stop after he managed to pull the deer from the water; no, he was concerned and nuzzled and pawed the young deer to help it regain consciousness. Storm’s owner, who was astounded by what he saw, managed to record the event.

A Happy Ending

A man holding a rescued deer in his arms after it was saved from drowning
Screenshot from “Dog Saves Deer From Drowning,” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: The Dodo

Thanks to the swift response of Strong Island Animal Rescue League, the rescued fawn is now in their care, receiving the necessary treatment to recover fully. Generally, this remarkable story of a hero dog’s bravery teaches us of the compassion that animals can have.

YouTube video
“Dog Saves Deer From Drowning”, Source: YouTube, Uploaded: The Dodo

The video first appeared on The Dodo, YouTube.

White-Tailed Deer on Long Island

A young white-tailed deer fawn standing alone on a grassy hillside
Image by EEI_Tony via Depositphotos

Deer are a common sight on Long Island, New York, where the most prevalent species is the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

Habitat

A young white-tailed deer fawn standing alone on a grassy hillside
Image by EEI_Tony via Depositphotos
  • White-tailed deer on Long Island inhabit a variety of environments, including forests, fields, wetlands, and even suburban areas. They are highly adaptable and can live close to human populations.

Physical Characteristics

A mature white-tailed deer buck with antlers standing in nature
Image by brm1949 via Depositphotos
  • These deer are named for the white underside of their tail, which they raise as a flag when alarmed.
  • Adult males, known as bucks, typically weigh between 150-300 pounds and can grow antlers. Females, or does, are smaller, usually weighing 90-200 pounds.
  • Their coat changes color with the seasons, from reddish-brown in the summer to grayish-brown in the winter, providing camouflage.

Diet

A young white-tailed deer fawn standing in grass
Image by rozalin via Depositphotos
  • White-tailed deer are herbivores. Their diet consists of leaves, twigs, fruits, nuts, and grasses. They are known to feed on ornamental plants and garden crops in suburban areas, which can sometimes lead to conflicts with homeowners.

Behavior

Young deer standing in a rural setting
Image by Gelpi via Depositphotos
  • Deer are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk.
  • They are known for their agility and speed, capable of running up to 30 miles per hour and leaping over obstacles as high as 8 feet.

Reproduction

A deer standing in a field, looking directly at the camera
Image by JakubMrocek via Depositphotos
  • The breeding season, or rut, occurs in the fall, usually between October and December.
  • After a gestation period of about 200 days, does give birth in late spring to early summer, typically to one or two fawns. Fawns are born with white spots on their fur, which help camouflage them from predators.

Population and Management

Close-up of an alert White-tailed Doe standing in a soybean field, looking directly at the camera with blurred foreground and background
Image by ruhuntn@hotmail.com via Depositphotos
  • The white-tailed deer population on Long Island has grown significantly over the past few decades due to the lack of natural predators and favorable habitat conditions.
  • Wildlife management efforts include controlled hunts, fertility control programs, and public education to maintain a balance between deer populations and human communities.

Challenges

A baby fawn white-tailed deer standing and looking at the camera
Image by jamesgriffiths via Depositphotos
  • Overpopulation of deer can lead to issues such as over-browsing, which affects vegetation and other wildlife.
  • Deer-vehicle collisions are a significant concern, particularly during the rutting season when deer are more active and less cautious.
  • Lyme disease, transmitted by ticks that deer carry, is a public health issue in areas with high deer populations.

Conclusion

A baby fawn white-tailed deer standing and looking at the camera
Image by jamesgriffiths via Depositphotos

Thank you for following along with this article – 

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Latest posts by Jen Fitschen, BSc Computer Science and Oceanography (see all)

Susan Smith

Monday 2nd of October 2023

Please give Storm the best treatment in the world for the rest of his life!! What a beautiful dog!

Joyce Fishman

Sunday 1st of October 2023

An incredible dog story! I love that “Storm” ! Please give him a hug for me. He is the kind of champion we hope to be.

Bret Hoing

Saturday 30th of September 2023

Thats why Labs and Golden Retrievers make the best family pets. In my opinion anyways.

Jen Fitschen

Saturday 30th of September 2023

Labs and Golden Retrievers are most definitely a fantastic addition to any family!

Saturday 30th of September 2023

Thats what labs and Golden retrievers do. Best family dogs. In my opinion anyway.

Jen Fitschen

Saturday 30th of September 2023

We do love labs and golden retrievers as part of our family!

Tammy Foster

Friday 29th of September 2023

What a beautiful story. There are so many humans that could use a lesson in compassion and bravery. Our sick world needs it!!

Jen Fitschen

Saturday 30th of September 2023

Couldn't agree more!