niagara falls deer

A deer has been stranded on an island above Niagara Falls for almost a year

Move over, Bambi; there's a new celebrity in town. After being stuck atop Niagara Falls for about a year, a white-tailed deer is becoming a minor star on social media, with multiple Canadians lobbying for government officials to rescue the animal.

Ontario Wildlife Rescue first reported on the deer in a Facebook post way back in August 2019.

"Deer trapped on Island above Niagara Falls," the organization wrote, attaching a photo of the stranded deer.

Now, almost 365 days later, Ontario Wildlife Rescue told Freshdaily that the animal is still stuck there.

"We have had many report[s] of the deer and that it is still on the island," Ontario Wildlife Rescue said.

They added that multiple people have contacted the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), but that the Ministry is "reluctant to rescue the deer as they worry that an attempt could frighten the deer causing it to go into the water and potentially over the falls."

The most recent footage of the deer was captured in July, and multiple people have posted in the Facebook group to say that they have also recently seen the deer alive and well.

Many Canadians are baffled by the deer's ability to survive on such a small island, and some are eagerly calling for the government to rescue the deer before it's too late.

"This [d]eer is a social distance master!" another person wrote. "Over a year and a half on the island, living their best life. I'm not gonna lie, I'm super impressed."

"Surely there must be something you can do?" yet another person asked Ontario Wildlife Rescue.

Sadly, it seems the answer to that question is a negative, according to a Canadian that reached out to the MNRF regarding the deer.

deer niagara falls

Google Maps | The location of the deer according to eye witnesses

The Ministry reportedly told the Ontario resident that they don't rescue animals that are stranded — including the deer.

"To avoid placing human responders at risk, as well as placing additional undue stress on wildlife (which can actually be worse for their long-term health) the ministry does not rescue animals that appear to be stranded or abandoned," the MNRF reportedly wrote.

The Ministry added that white-tailed deer are "exceptional swimmers" and that the deer will likely be able to make the return trip across the water when it's ready.

Hang in there, little guy.

Lead photo by

Ontario Wildlife Rescue


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