Search and Rescue Team Saves Deer Trapped Between I-75 Concrete Barriers
On October 14, 2025, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team successfully freed a four-point buck trapped within the narrow concrete barriers dividing northbound and southbound lanes of I-75 in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
A motorist driving near Lapeer Road spotted the deer around 2 p.m. and alerted Auburn Hills police. The deer had been struck by a vehicle and became lodged in a gap approximately one foot wide between the highway’s concrete median barriers.
The sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team was dispatched at the request of Auburn Hills police. Using a specialized truck outfitted with lifting straps, rescuers carefully lifted and disentangled the animal’s hooves, freeing the buck after nearly an hour of work.
After the rescue, Oakland County Animal Control examined the deer and found it to be bruised but without serious injuries. The buck was transported to the Bald Mountain Recreation Area, a suitable natural habitat, and released back into the wild.
Expert Commentary and Wildlife Context
Four-point bucks, characterized by having four tines on one antler, are typically young adult males, often navigating territorial challenges and dispersal during the fall rut season, which coincides with the timing of this incident.
Highways pose significant hazards for white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), especially during peak movement periods in fall when deer are more active due to breeding behaviors and food-seeking. The confined space between concrete barriers is especially dangerous as deer can become trapped, leading to injury or death from attempted escapes or traffic collisions.
Rescue operations like this one are critical to aid wildlife stranded in man-made hazards and reduce unnecessary mortality. The coordination between police, specialized rescue teams, and animal control illustrates effective multi-agency teamwork for wildlife welfare.
Transporting the deer to Bald Mountain Recreation Area supports the buck’s recovery in a suitable environment rich in forest cover and natural forage, improving its chances for full rehabilitation and survival.
Operational Details and Public Impact
- The rescue required shutting down freeway lanes in both directions near Lapeer Road, highlighting the complexity and public safety considerations during wildlife rescues on busy roadways.
- Sheriff Mike Bouchard praised the team’s dedication, emphasizing the importance of skillful intervention in preventing wildlife fatalities.
- The incident underscores the intersection of urban development and wildlife habitats, prompting ongoing discussions on road design and wildlife crossings to mitigate such risks.
Additional reporting and sources from: Search and rescue team save deer trapped between I-75 concrete barriers – The Oakland Press
