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Florida firefighter offers water to thirsty Key deer

By Daniel Uria
A firefighter offered a thirsty Key deer a crucial drink of water after finding the distressed animal in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. 
 Screenshot: Monroe County BOCC/Facebook
A firefighter offered a thirsty Key deer a crucial drink of water after finding the distressed animal in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Screenshot: Monroe County BOCC/Facebook

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Sept. 19 (UPI) -- A firefighter in Florida helped rescue an endangered Key deer by offering it a much needed drink of water.

Monroe County BOCC shared video of Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue Lieutenant Nicholas Johnson providing a bottle of water to the thirsty Key deer in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

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Johnson was surveying damage to residential areas after the storm when he came across the extremely parched Key deer.

"I don't know who was more startled the deer or me," he said.

Johnson and his team were amazed as the Key deer quickly drank four whole bottles of water.

A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer later told Johnson the storm surge had caused salt water to creep into the fresh water supply, leaving the deer with little to drink.

"I am just glad to not only help the residents, but the wildlife as well," Johnson said.

After gulping down the water the Key deer gathered enough strength to run off on its own.

The county warned that while Johnson was able to provide much needed help for the Key deer, residents should contact Florida Fish and Wildlife if they encounter wildlife in distress.

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"This is an extraordinary circumstance involving a distressed deer and a trained first responder," the county said.

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