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Eastern WA sheriff leads adorable fawn rescue along Tri-City highway

Benton County Sheriff Mike Clark prepares to reunite a frightened fawn with its mother at Kennewick’s Columbia Park Monday morning.
Benton County Sheriff Mike Clark prepares to reunite a frightened fawn with its mother at Kennewick’s Columbia Park Monday morning. Benton County Sheriff’s Office

Benton County Sheriff Mike Clark led rescue efforts that reunited a fawn with its mother and twin after it ended up on the wrong side of a fence along Highway 240 in Kennewick.

In a Facebook post, the sheriff’s office said Clark was returning from a meeting Monday morning when he spotted the deer situation developing along a busy stretch of highway bordering Columbia Park.

The fawn was on the highway side of the fence while its mother and twin were on the park side.

The baby was in danger of being struck by a passing vehicle.

The sheriff, who is running for election against one of his deputies, Kennewick Councilman Brad Klippert, pulled over to protect the tiny creature.

Benton County Sheriff Mike Clark prepares to reunite a frightened fawn with its mother at Kennewick’s Columbia Park Monday morning.
Benton County Sheriff Mike Clark prepares to reunite a frightened fawn with its mother at Kennewick’s Columbia Park Monday morning. Benton County Sheriff’s Office

He was soon joined by a deputy and the two worked to keep the frightened baby from darting into traffic.

Passersby joined the effort and provided a blanket. The officers captured the fawn, wrapped her in a blanket, and lifted her over the fence.

Benton County Sheriff Mike Clark led a fawn rescue team along Highway 240 in Kennewick Monday morning, joined by Deputy Jonathan Ortega and passersby Alexandria and Lisa Goforth.
Benton County Sheriff Mike Clark led a fawn rescue team along Highway 240 in Kennewick Monday morning, joined by Deputy Jonathan Ortega and passersby Alexandria and Lisa Goforth. Benton County Sheriff’s Office image

When last seen, she was reuniting with her mother and sibling.

“We want to extend a massive thank you to Deputy Ortega, as well as community members Alexandria and Lisa Goforth for their quick actions and invaluable help!” the sheriff’s office posted.

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Wendy Culverwell
Tri-City Herald
Reporter Wendy Culverwell writes about growth, development and business for the Tri-City Herald. She has worked for daily and weekly publications in Washington and Oregon. She earned a degree in English and economics from the University of Puget Sound. Support my work with a digital subscription
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