Several Deer Die Trying To Cross Wareham Bay
WAREHAM (CBS) - Several deer died after becoming stranded in water while trying to cross a frozen bay in Wareham on Sunday, officials say.
Wareham Harbormaster Department were notified about a group of deer that had made their way onto the ice off of Long Beach.
While rescuers were on scene, a second group of deer became stranded when they were spooked by people walking a dog in the area.
The second group also tried to cross the bay when they too became stranded in the water.
Firefighters assembled a cold water rescue team, with help from Onset Fire Rescue and Middleboro Fire Department's air boats, to try and assist the animals.
The rescue operation is risky for emergency personnel, especially on unstable frozen salt water, officials say.
Ten deer were rescued. However, several did not survive the cold water immersion due to the amount of time they were in it.
Massachusetts Environmental Police were notified to assess the situation.
Check out video captured by David G. Curran of SatelliteNewsService.com.