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Stranded Fox Spurs Dangerous Rescue Attempts, NJ Officials Plead With Public To Stay Back

Barnegat Bay has become the unlikely scene of a high-stakes drama involving a stranded fox and dangerous rescue attempts, officials warn.

Conditions in the bay are extremely dangerous, officials are cautioning.

Conditions in the bay are extremely dangerous, officials are cautioning.

Photo Credit: Seaside Park Station 45 Volunteer Fire Company

At around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, crews from the Seaside Park Station 45 Volunteer Fire Company responded to reports of a fox stranded on a floating jet ski dock in the bay near the channel. 

What seemed like a straightforward operation quickly turned perilous due to hazardous ice conditions, officials said.

"The ice from the bay front broke free and is shifting towards the mainland," rescue officials said. "Additionally, there are strong currents under the ice and the ice cannot support the weight of a rescuer."

Efforts to save the animal have so far been unsuccessful.

The jet ski dock is not floating in the bay, officials say, it is approximately 50 yards onto the ice and the fox is not staying on it, promptly retreating and taking off anytime rescuers got close.

Authorities have learned that groups from across the tri-state area are mobilizing resources to attempt their own rescues, though that may be an ill-fated attempt at altruism. 

Officials are pleading with the public to stay off the ice, emphasizing the life-threatening risks involved.

"Anyone not properly equipped who fell into the water would quickly succumb to hypothermia and potentially drown," they said. "We are urging the public to stay out of the bay and off the ice.

"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." 

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