SEASIDE PARK – A fox that was stuck on a floating dock in the icy Barnegat Bay has been rescued, animal officials said.
Photos were shared across social media over the weekend of a fox that was seen along a dock that had floated away and was now in the bay surrounded by a sheet of ice. Members of the community began calling the U.S. Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies. Soon the Seaside Park and Seaside Heights fire companies took the call and arrived for help.
“A team of rescue swimmers from both Stations 45 and 44 launched two jet skis and a boat from the bay front in an attempt to rescue the fox,” the Seaside Park Fire Department said. “Conditions in the middle of the bay are extremely dangerous. The ice from the bay front broke free and is shifting towards the mainland. Additionally, there are strong currents under the ice and the ice cannot support the weight of a rescuer.”
The jet ski dock was about 50 yards onto the ice and the fox was not staying on the dock, the fire company said.
“The fox took off running every time rescuers got close to it,” the fire company said.
Due to the dangerous conditions of the bay, first responders were unable to capture the fox.
According to News 12, the animal was confirmed to be alive and is now receiving treatment at the Bayshore Veterinary Hospital.
Seaside Park fire officials are urging the public to learn about the dangers posed from extreme cold and ice on the Barnegat Bay.
“Conditions on the bay are extremely dangerous. Anyone not properly equipped who fell into the water would quickly succumb to hypothermia and potentially drown. We are urging the public to stay out of the bay and off the ice,” the company said. “Failing to do so will most likely result in you becoming a victim requiring our team to risk serious personal injury in attempting to rescue you.”
