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Fawn rescued after getting trapped in metal grate in Oakland County lake

Authorities believe fawn was struggling to keep head above water for several hours

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Team saved a fawn that was trapped inside a metal grate in an Oakland County lake on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. (Oakland County Sheriff's Office)

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – A fawn was rescued after it got trapped in a metal grate and likely struggled to keep its head above water for several hours, authorities said.

At about 12:40 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team responded to a home in the 600 block of Tonkawa Trail in Orion Township after receiving a call about the deer.

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The caller told authorities that they had heard cries of a fawn that was in distress and discovered that the fawn was stuck in a metal grate in Manitou Lake behind the home, according to the sheriff’s office.

Authorities were called to a home in the 600 block of Tonkawa Trail in Orion Township to rescue the fawn. (Oakland County Sheriff's Office)

Authorities believe the fawn was stuck in the lake for several hours and had struggled to keep its head above the water.

The rescue team, which includes animal control officers, was able to quickly free the fawn.

After animal control checked the fawn for injuries and didn’t find any, the fawn was released.

Authorities say the fawn would have likely died if it hadn’t been rescued.

“It’s always a great day when we can respond to a call and save a life,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. “Be it human, or in this case, a cute little fawn! I am proud of our team’s capability to respond to a variety of scenarios and make a difference.”

The fawn was checked for injuries, and after none were discovered, the fawn was released. (Oakland County Sheriff's Office)

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