Μake us preferred on Google A deer trapped inside an open water reservoir in northern Greece was safely rescued after members of the environmental organization Callisto managed to free the exhausted animal and return it to the wild.
The deer was discovered during fieldwork in the Prespa area, inside a large open water tank near Eratyra Tsotyli in the regional unit of Kozani. The animal, which appeared exhausted and possibly injured, was unable to climb out because of the reservoir’s vertical and extremely slippery walls.
After several rescue attempts, members of Callisto managed to reach the animal and remove it safely using a makeshift bridge and a loop. The deer was then released back into its natural habitat.
In a statement, the organization highlighted the serious threat posed by open water reservoirs to wildlife, noting that structures without safe escape routes can become traps for animals such as deer and bears.
The organization also warned that these installations can pose risks to humans, especially when they are located in isolated areas and lack adequate safety measures.
The incident, Callisto said, underlines the need for preventive action, including the installation of suitable escape mechanisms and improved safety measures at water reservoirs to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Protecting wildlife from dangerous reservoirs
The fencing and securing of water reservoirs is one of the key interventions of the European LIFE Bear-Smart Corridors program, in which Callisto participates. The initiative aims to prevent the drowning of brown bears and other wild animals.
According to the organization, open or unprotected water tanks, as well as irrigation and firefighting wells in forest areas, can become deadly traps. Bears may become trapped while attempting to drink water, a situation that can often lead to their death.
