Michigan State Police Use Floor Jack to Rescue Deer Trapped in Iron Fence
On Friday, Michigan State Police troopers responded to a wildlife rescue in the 3600 block of Spring Arbor Road, Spring Arbor Township, Jackson County. A deer had become wedged between the rails of a wrought-iron fence while attempting to pass through, leaving its body stuck midway.
Footage from police body cameras, shared on social media, captured the careful efforts troopers took to free the animal. To minimize stress, officers covered the deer’s head with a police jacket, a common technique used to calm wild ungulates by reducing visual stimuli.
Utilizing a floor jack from a vehicle emergency kit, troopers gently pried the iron rails apart to create enough space for the deer’s safe removal. The operation required patience and precision to prevent injury, and according to police reports, the deer was ultimately freed unharmed and quickly fled back into nearby woodland.
Wildlife Rescue Context and Biological Insights
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), the likely species involved, often attempt to slip through narrow spaces, especially during the rutting season or while escaping perceived threats. Their slender build can sometimes mislead them into trying to squeeze through openings too narrow for their torso, leading to entrapment as seen here.
Covering the animal’s head during rescue is an essential tactic; deer are particularly sensitive to visual disturbances, and reducing anxiety can prevent thrashing that might cause further injury to the animal or rescuer.
Additional Deer Rescue in Southeast Michigan
This incident was one of two recent deer-related rescue operations in Southeast Michigan. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office also handled a similar case involving a trapped deer, highlighting the growing interactions between wildlife and human infrastructure in suburban and rural areas.
- Location: 3600 block of Spring Arbor Road, Spring Arbor Township, Jackson County, MI
- Date: Friday (exact date not specified)
- Rescue Method: Use of floor jack to separate fence rails
- Outcome: Deer released without injury
Additional reporting and sources from:
Troopers use floor jack to pry iron fence rail away from trapped deer – CBS Detroit
