Livonia Firefighters Help Deer Escape Backyard Pool

A deer fell through the cover of a backyard swimming pool in Livonia and became trapped in the partially drained basin. Police responded first and asked the fire department to assist after the homeowner found the animal in the pool on November 3.

The pool had been emptied roughly eighteen months earlier and was awaiting demolition, but its cover remained in place. The homeowner said the deer had walked across the cover before falling through. The pool was 10 feet deep, and its slope left the buck unable to get enough footing to climb out.

Firefighters placed an extension ladder inside the pool. The deer used it to climb out, then ran away through the neighborhood. The homeowner and firefighters said the animal appeared uninjured. A Livonia fire captain described the rescue as unlike anything he had encountered in 31 years in the fire service.

The fire department urged pool owners to inspect covers regularly, including during winter, and repair holes or tears. It also advised owners of inground pools to consider an approved wildlife escape ramp, in case an animal gets trapped.