HOPATCONG BOROUGH, N.J. (Sussex County) — A white-tailed buck that fell about 12 feet into a dried-up well in Hopatcong Borough was safely rescued through a coordinated effort involving local police, state wildlife officials and firefighters.
The rescue took place Friday after authorities responded to reports of the trapped deer. The animal was removed from the well without injury and released back into the wild, according to the Hopatcong Police Department.
The rescue team included Senior Biologist Ryan Ferraro and Wildlife Control Technician Christian Nitko of New Jersey Fish & Wildlife’s Wildlife Control unit, Patrolman Barnor of the Hopatcong Police Department and Conservation Officer Della Vella of New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Enforcement. Members of the Hopatcong Fire Department also responded to assist, while the department’s Humane Law Enforcement Officer coordinated the response with New Jersey Fish & Wildlife.
In a statement, the Hopatcong Police Department thanked everyone involved, praising their professionalism, teamwork and commitment to protecting New Jersey’s wildlife.
Police also used the incident to remind property owners to inspect and maintain their properties, noting that open wells, uncovered holes, abandoned structures and similar hazards can pose serious risks to both people and wildlife. Officials encouraged residents to secure or repair potential hazards to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
The deer was safely returned to its natural habitat following the rescue.
