A remarkable sight unfolded on the Detroit River Monday: three deer stranded on a small, drifting island of ice. The unusual procession captivated onlookers along Windsor’s waterfront, who watched with concern and fascination as the animals were carried downstream.
By mid-afternoon, the deer had floated past the heart of downtown Windsor, heading towards the iconic Ambassador Bridge. A growing crowd tracked their journey, documenting the scene with cameras and phones, captivated by the unexpected visitors.
Photographer Dan Janisse was among those who followed the deer, noting their surprisingly calm demeanor. One of the animals remained lying down for most of the time, and all three appeared to be quite young, adding to the sense of vulnerability.
Janisse’s pursuit began near the Hiram Walker distillery in Walkerville, but he learned that others had been observing the trio even earlier, near Lakeview Marina by Peche Island. The deer had already traveled a significant distance on their icy raft.
Concerned citizens flooded the Windsor Police Service with calls, prompting a referral to the Canadian Coast Guard. However, a rescue operation proved impractical, as harbour master Peter Berry explained – approaching the timid animals with a Coast Guard vessel would likely cause more harm than good.
The story quickly spread, with former MP Brian Masse sharing images and videos online. He highlighted the incident as a reminder of the need for protected natural spaces, suggesting the future Ojibway National Urban Park would have been an ideal destination for the deer.
Janisse’s photographs revealed the deer clinging to the shrinking ice floe, their fur wet and partially frozen. They alternated between standing and resting, seemingly resigned to their unusual journey down the river.
While Erie Wildlife Rescue was inundated with calls, experts advised that intervention was likely impossible given the strong current and large ice formations. Deer are capable swimmers, and the prevailing wisdom was to allow nature to take its course.
Janisse, a veteran journalist, had witnessed deer swimming in the Detroit River before, but never on a floating ice island. The open water surrounding their precarious raft underscored the fragility of their situation.
Ultimately, authorities and observers agreed that the best course of action was to allow the deer to drift, hoping they would reach shore or find a larger, more stable ice floe. It was a testament to the resilience of wildlife and the unpredictable power of nature.
