KOOTENAI COUNTY, ID — Firefighters with Kootenai County Fire & Rescue responded to Fernan Lake on Monday after receiving a report of a small deer trapped on the ice.

According to the department, crews used teamwork and patience to carefully free the animal and guide it back to shore. The deer was able to run off unharmed after the rescue.

Fire officials said the call serves as a reminder that emergency response extends beyond people and includes wildlife when it is in danger. They also cautioned the public that ice conditions can change rapidly and may be more hazardous than they appear.

Residents who see a person or animal in trouble on the ice are urged to call 911 and allow trained responders to handle the situation, rather than attempting a rescue themselves.

Kootenai County Fire & Rescue thanked its firefighters for their quick response and efforts to keep both the community and local wildlife safe.