**** Via Bridgewater Police
Bridgewater Police Service, Hope for Wildlife partner to aid animals
Stunned by a vehicle and stranded in a LaHave Street yard, a young Bridgewater fawn caught a lucky break with a police cruiser escort to safety.
Bridgewater Police Service officers executed a wildlife rescue, scooping up an injured fawn and chauffeuring it to Hope for Wildlife’s drop-off site in Middlewood.
On Sept. 3, officers were summoned just before 7 p.m. to a south LaHave Street address where a small deer with a large scrape on its back was found standing among dense shrubbery on a family’s property.
The fawn wasn’t spooked; more likely stunned after being struck by a vehicle and remained calm enough for Sgt. Angela Wareham to approach and cover it with a blanket. Wareham carried the 30-kilogram deer to her marked cruiser and placed it in the back seat. Const. Danny Bamforth also assisted Wareham with the rescue.
From Bridgewater’s east side to Hope for Wildlife’s Lunenburg County location, the animal sprawled out for the 20-minute ride to refuge.
The male fawn, which Wareham named Sebastian, is expected to make a full recovery and will later be released back into the wild.
“We’ve referred animals to them before and we love it when we have positive outcomes like this,” Wareham said. “Thank goodness Hope for Wildlife is close by to help receive and care for wildlife in need.”
Police officers are not wildlife rehabilitators but their involvement helps ensure unexpected wild animal incidents are handled responsibly. By partnering with Hope for Wildlife, Bridgewater Police Service ensures such calls are guided by proper care, safety and expertise.
Wildlife rescue often involves many different people and organizations working together within communities, said Hope Swinimer, founder and director of Hope for Wildlife.
"Police officers are often called when an injured wild animal is found in a situation where members of the public may not be able to safely intervene," she explained. "Having the community connection can allow police to get the animal to the appropriate care as quickly as possible. We’re very grateful to the Bridgewater Police Service for working with us and for recognizing the importance of getting wildlife the help they need."
Authorities advise residents who find injured wildlife not to put themselves at unnecessary risk. If there is an immediate public safety concern, please contact police.
The ongoing partnership reflects a shared commitment to community welfare and compassion during such circumstances. Hope for Wildlife personnel specialize in helping communities respond appropriately when wild animals are in trouble. They rescue, rehabilitate, release and offer public education.
For wildlife-specific advice, residents can text or call Hope for Wildlife at 902-407-9453.
From the Bridgewater Police Service perspective, the collaboration remains a vital component of local policing.
“We’re appreciative of what they do for us,” Wareham said.
