Minnesota Man Receives PETA Award for Rescuing Deer From Icy River

Good Samaritan Risks Life to Get Frightened Animal out of Frozen River

For Immediate Release:
January 6, 2016

Contact:
Lakisha Ridley 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Action Award is on its way to Minnesota resident Steven Peterson, who rescued a deer from an icy river on his way home from visiting family in Missouri for Christmas. After seeing what appeared to be a rock bobbing up and down, Peterson trekked through thick brush and snow and found a distressed deer in the frozen river, her face was covered with icicles. While the terrified animal struggled to escape, Peterson was able to secure her with a trailer strap and pull her free.

Peterson told PETA that after he carried the fawn to a dry spot, “she was looking in my eyes, both [of us] cold, sitting together.” Peterson stayed with the deer, who he named Miss Ice River, for an hour and examined her—she had sustained only minor injuries. Peterson, who’s deaf, filmed the rescue on his phone, using sign language to share the story. Watch the rescue here. 

“This deer was able to escape a prolonged, painful, icy death, thanks to Steven Peterson’s kindness in setting about to save her life,” says PETA Senior Director Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes his actions will inspire others to come to the aid of any humans or animals in need.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—offers tips for helping wildlife on its website. Peterson will receive a framed certificate and a box of delicious vegan cookies.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.