This footage shows a terrified stag slipping Bambi-style on an icy, frozen lake and it reportedly took the rescuers trying to save it two hours to complete their mission before they could release it.
The incident was filmed on an ice-covered lake in Bialowieza Forest near the village of Topilo in the north-eastern Polish region of Podlaskie Voivodeship, and the footage was shared on Facebook where it has been viewed over 40,000 times.
Video Credit: CEN/@hajnowka.nadlesnictwo
According to local media, the rescue operation was carried out by border guards and members of the Hajnowka Forestry Service after the male deer was found stranded in the middle of a frozen lake.
Reports said that border guards first spotted the struggling animal and called for help.
During a two-hour operation, rescuers managed to save the frightened stag before setting it free in the forest.
In the footage, the deer is seen slipping on the icy surface of the frozen lake as rescuers make their way towards it in a boat while apparently smashing the icy surface as they near the animal.
In the second video, a rescuer is seen caring for the damp stag on the ground with a blanket.
As he steps away from the resting animal, it suddenly jumps its feet and runs off into the forest as the cameraman cheers.
Video Credit: CEN/@hajnowka.nadlesnictwo
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Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder,  Agency: Central European News
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