Deer rescued from icy suburban lake

Libertyville firefighters don't perform many ice rescues. But an unusual call for help Thursday morning proved a successful test of those skills.

A motorist on River Road was the first to notice a deer stuck on the ice far out on the lake at Independence Grove Forest Preserve. Visitors to the forest preserve district's popular destination saw the doe as well, prompting calls to the authorities.

"This is the first time I recall a situation like this," said Andy Kimmel, deputy executive director. "We don't know quite how it got out there, but it wasn't able to walk off the ice on its own."

Unable to gain traction and obviously in distress, the full-grown animal kept slipping as it tried to get to its feet. Those on the scene thought it may have had an injured foot.

"I went out there right away," said Tom Hahn, forest preserve executive director.

"It just couldn't get any traction. It would stand up and fall down, stand up and fall down. … I just couldn't leave it out there."

The Libertyville Fire Department was called for assistance, and the county health department's animal control unit also was alerted.

"It was a first, I would say," Fire Chief Rich Carani said. "I said we'd come and look but couldn't make any promises."

The deer was about 300 feet from shore and not moving when firefighters arrived. Rescuing animals outdoors is not part of the department's regular duties, and situations are evaluated individually based on safety factors.

In this case, the ice was 5 inches thick -- enough to support the would-be rescuers without them breaking through into the cold water.

Two firefighters donned thick exposure suits, were connected to ropes and took a special sled to creep toward the stranded deer. They also carried a harness from animal control, designed to snare the animal.

"We told them to keep their distance," Carani said.

Clearly exhausted, the 150-pound animal stayed fairly still while it was noosed and slowly pulled to shore.

"The deer was very, very tired. It laid down in the reedy area along the shore," Hahn said. Eventually it walked off and was nowhere to be seen Friday morning.

"It was a really good effort by the Libertyville fire department," Hahn said. "When I heard the deer went back into the woods, I felt very good."