Deer Rescued From Icy Canal In Somerset County

Volunteer firefighters and police worked together to save the deer in South Bound Brook.

Mar. 4, 2026 at 2:23pm

Emergency responders in South Bound Brook, New Jersey worked together to rescue a deer that had fallen through the ice on a local canal. The South Bound Brook Fire Department, Bound Brook Fire Department, and South Bound Brook Police Department collaborated to safely pull the deer from the icy water using a rope and a marine unit.

Why it matters

Animal rescues like this one highlight the important role that volunteer first responders play in local communities, especially in responding to unusual emergencies. The successful rescue also demonstrates the coordination and teamwork required between different public safety agencies to address challenging situations.

The details

At 4:15 pm on Tuesday, emergency crews were called to the Town Oaks Apartments in South Bound Brook after a deer had fallen through the ice on a local canal. Firefighters initially tried to lasso the deer, but its movements in the water made the rescue effort difficult. The marine unit was then used to safely pull the deer from the icy water. No injuries were reported following the successful rescue.

  • On March 4, 2026, at 4:15 pm, emergency crews were called to the scene.

The players

South Bound Brook Fire Department

A 100% volunteer fire department that has served the community since 1902.

Bound Brook Fire Department

A fire department that collaborated with the South Bound Brook Fire Department on the rescue.

South Bound Brook Police Department

The local police department that assisted in the deer rescue operation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This rescue highlights the important role that volunteer first responders play in local communities, and the coordination required between different public safety agencies to address challenging situations like animal emergencies.