When a resident of St. Johns County called 911 after discovering a large buck inside their bathroom, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office responded quickly. Deputies arrived, filmed the unusual scene on body‑camera, and posted the video to social media, describing the incident as a “buck‑wild call for service” and a “deer‑in‑the‑headlights moment.”
Deputies devise a plan
Upon entering the home, the deputy could be heard saying, “Oh, that’s a buck. That’s a nice buck,” as the startled animal stood in the bathroom. The homeowner and the deputy worked together to create a clear path by moving furniture, hoping the buck would follow the opening toward the sliding glass door.
When the animal hesitated, the deputy stepped outside and retrieved an extendable swimming‑pool brush. Using the brush gently, he nudged the buck toward the exit. The nervous animal finally shuffled out the sliding door and onto the patio.
Unexpected pool plunge
Instead of fleeing the property, the buck hopped onto the patio and then leapt into the in‑ground swimming pool. After a brief dip, it climbed out, only to wander back into a part of the yard where it became trapped again. The animal turned around, jumped back into the pool, and after a short pause emerged once more.
Continuing its erratic movements, the buck eventually ran toward a fenced area, vaulted the fence, and disappeared into a nearby wooded section. The deputy, laughing, remarked, “First time I’ve had a deer in a house in 23 years of my profession.”
Community response
The sheriff’s office added a light‑hearted note to the video post: “The buck fled before deputies could issue a warning for trespassing.” While the incident was unusual, it highlighted the department’s readiness to assist residents in unexpected wildlife encounters and underscored the importance of staying calm and cooperating with law‑enforcement during such events.
St. Johns County, known for its blend of suburban neighborhoods and natural habitats, often sees wildlife near residential areas. The department encourages residents to keep doors and windows secured, especially during dawn and dusk when deer are most active, to prevent similar situations.
Safety tips for wildlife encounters
- Do not approach or attempt to handle wild animals; contact local law‑enforcement or wildlife officials.
- Secure entryways to your home to reduce the chance of animals wandering inside.
- If an animal becomes trapped, keep a safe distance and allow trained professionals to manage the situation.
- Report wildlife incidents promptly so authorities can respond safely and efficiently.
The video of the buck’s brief adventure has been shared widely, offering a reminder that even in modern neighborhoods, nature can surprise us. The deputies’ calm, cooperative approach turned a potentially stressful encounter into a story of community teamwork and wildlife respect.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
