Deer Rescued After Becoming Trapped Between I-75 Barriers in Auburn Hills
A four-point buck was safely rescued after getting stuck between concrete barriers on northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 75 in Auburn Hills, Michigan, on October 13, 2025.
The incident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. when a motorist reported the deer had been hit by a vehicle near Lapeer Road and was lodged in a narrow one-foot gap between the highway barriers.
Rescue Efforts by Oakland County Authorities
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team responded to assist Auburn Hills police in freeing the animal. Using a technical rescue truck and specially designed straps, they carefully lifted the buck and untangled its hooves during an operation that lasted nearly an hour.
Following the rescue, the deer showed minor bruising but no serious injuries. Oakland County Animal Control transported the animal to Bald Mountain Recreation Area where it was released back into its natural habitat.
Wildlife Context and Expert Insight
White-tailed bucks’ ability to maneuver quickly sometimes leads to dangerous encounters on roadways, especially in suburban areas where natural habitats overlap with busy highways.
Concrete barriers, such as those on I-75, present significant hazards for deer since they limit escape routes and can trap animals when fleeing from traffic or predators.
- The gap size of approximately one foot is too narrow for an adult buck to pass through, explaining why it became wedged.
- Bucks possess strong, muscular legs allowing them to leap vast distances, but confined spaces negate these abilities.
- The stress and physical impacts from being pinned can cause bruising or other injuries, but this buck’s swift rescue helped prevent more severe harm or death.
This event highlights the ongoing challenges wildlife face adapting to expanding human infrastructure and the crucial role of specialized rescue teams in preserving animal welfare in urban and suburban environments.
Traffic Impact and Safety Measures
During the rescue, both northbound and southbound lanes of I-75 were temporarily closed to ensure the safety of responders and the animal.
Motorists are reminded to remain vigilant, especially during dawn and dusk hours when deer are most active and crossing roads is more common.
Additional reporting and sources from: Deer rescued from I-75 barrier in Auburn Hills after becoming trapped between lanes
