Living on the North Shore, we are incredibly blessed to be surrounded by vibrant forests, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. It’s a beautiful backdrop for daily life, but occasionally, that wilderness gets just a little too close for comfort. Recently, a local musician and his friend experienced a wildlife encounter they won’t soon forget.
On Wednesday, June 24th, around 3:50 p.m., Gene Lafond was visiting a friend at the Waterview Shores care facility. As they were chatting, the quiet afternoon was suddenly shattered by what sounded like an explosion. Glass flew everywhere. Gene was struck in the back by the impact, tumbling forward and hitting his lip on his friend’s knee.
Through the shattered window came a white-tailed deer.
Spooked by a dog outside, the doe had panicked and crashed straight through the heavy glass window. Scrambling to find its bearings in the unfamiliar room, the deer managed to stumble out into the hallway through an open door. Thinking quickly, a staff member opened a nearby emergency exit, allowing the animal to get back outside.
“Luckily I was visiting,” Gene later reflected, “or that deer would have ended up right on my friend’s lap in bed.” Aside from Gene’s puffy lip, no residents or staff were injured.
Sadly, the doe suffered critical injuries from the broken glass and hemorrhaging. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was called to the scene and humanely ended its suffering.
The story didn’t end there. It turned out the doe had a young fawn that had been nesting in the grass near the building’s physical therapy room. Even after the chaos, the fawn was seen resting and playing in its usual spot. The following day, DNR officers safely retrieved the fawn and transported it to a nearby wildlife rescue. It is currently doing well and being rehabilitated for a future release back into the wild.
As for the facility, the room suffered significant damage and remains temporarily uninhabitable while it awaits a window replacement.
What to Do If You Find Sick, Injured, or Orphaned Wildlife
This startling event serves as a reminder of how quickly wildlife situations can arise. If you encounter an animal in distress on the Northshore, keep these important guidelines in mind:
• Call Before You Act: Always contact a permitted wildlife rehabilitator or the DNR before handling or moving a wild animal. Experts can help you determine if the animal actually needs rescue.
• The 24-Hour Rule: Under Minnesota law, it is illegal for an unlicensed citizen to possess or attempt to rehabilitate a wild animal for longer than 24 hours.
• Keep It Quiet: If instructed to secure an animal, place it in a warm, dark, and quiet box away from pets, children, and loud noises.
• Do Not Feed: Never give food or water to a wild animal unless explicitly told to do so by a professional, as it can cause severe medical complications.
• Report Mass Illness: If you observe five or more dead or sick animals in the same area, contact the DNR immediately, as this could signal a disease outbreak or environmental poisoning.
Regional Wildlife Resources
If you need assistance with an animal or want to follow the recovery of local wildlife, reach out to these organizations:
Wildwoods (Duluth, MN) The closest regional rehabber to Two Harbors, specializing in small mammals, songbirds, and waterfowl. (218) 491-3604 wildwoodswildliferehabilitation.org
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota (Roseville, MN) The largest facility in the state, equipped for larger mammals, raptors, and cases when local centers are full. (651) 486-9453 wrcmn.org
Local MN DNR Office (Two Harbors) Contact for large game (deer, bears, wolves), protected species, or general conservation questions. (218) 834-1453 Main DNR Line: (888) 646-6367 | info.dnr@state.mn.us
How Can You Help?
Local wildlife rehabilitation centers operate largely on public kindness to provide medicine, food, and shelter to animals in need. Here is how you can support their missions:
• Support Wildwoods: As a 501(c) (3) non-profit, Wildwoods receives no state or federal funding. You can donate securely on their website, purchase their official merchandise, or mail a check to: 4009 W Arrowhead Rd, Duluth, MN 55811.
• Support the WRC of Minnesota: The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center provides world-class medical care to thousands of wild patients daily and works to educate the public. Consider making a tax-deductible donation through their website.
