Deer Swims 2 Miles Off The Coast Of Laguna Before Running Up Coast Hwy

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — A deer was spotted swimming in the Pacific Ocean near Laguna Beach Sunday, the Orange County Register reported.

The deer swam about two miles in surf as high as four feet and over submerged rocks, the report said. Eventually, the deer found shelter in an Emerald Bay backyard.

The deer was initially reported in the ocean off Aliso Beach at around 8:30 a.m., after Laguna Beach lifeguards received reports of the animal but were unable to find it.

The deer was spotted at 10 a.m. in waters near Main Beach, before running up into a canyon near the north end of Main Beach Park to rest, the report said.

The 120-pound deer was later seen running along Coast Highway before it found its way into Emerald Bay. Laguna Beach Marine Safety Capt. Kai Bond told the OC Register that the deer was observed in the backyard before being tranquilized and released back to the wild.

Rob Rojas, a boarding officer on a California Fish and Wildlife patrol boat, said that it isn't unusual for deer to swim.

“They can swim up to 10 miles from what I understand,” he said. “They’re pretty solid.”

He said that the deer typically run into water bodies to shed ticks, cool down, or escape a predator or another perceived danger.

To learn more about the deer that swam in Laguna Beach waters, read the full article on the Orange County Register.