When a Maryland resident sent animal rescuer Bob Swensen a photo of a deer wandering through their yard with a bright blue Halloween candy bucket stuck on his head, Swensen wasn’t sure what to think.
“At first, I honestly thought it was a joke — like someone Photoshopped it,” Swensen told The Dodo. “But it was real.”
The moment he realized the image was genuine, Swensen and his rescue partner, Bernie Hilditch of Lost Animal Resource Group and First Response Drone Pet Search and Rescue, jumped into action. Neither of them had ever rescued a deer before — but they knew they couldn’t ignore an animal in obvious distress.
Using a drone, Hilditch began tracking the young deer’s movements. He discovered the juvenile, soon nicknamed “Bucket Boy,” traveled with a small herd that included his mother and siblings.
While the bucket didn’t slow the deer down completely, it robbed him of something essential: the ability to eat and drink.
For nearly a week, the two rescuers searched tirelessly, trying to get close enough to help. Each attempt ended the same way — the deer would spook and disappear into the woods.
“With deer, the second you move, they’re gone,” Swensen said.
What surprised the rescuers most was how quickly the community rallied around Bucket Boy. Neighbors shared sightings, offered help and checked in constantly, all hoping for the same outcome.
“Everyone kept asking, ‘What can we do? How can we help?’” Swensen said.
As the days dragged on, worry set in. Without access to food or water, Bucket Boy’s chances were slipping fast. Swensen and Hilditch began bracing themselves for the worst.
Then came the moment they never expected.
While surveying the area once again, Hilditch spotted the familiar herd — and instantly recognized Bucket Boy. Same markings. Same siblings. Same watchful mother.
But the bucket was gone.
“Same circles around the eyes, same four deer — but the bucket was completely gone,” Hilditch said.
Whether Bucket Boy managed to shake it loose himself or someone quietly stepped in to help, the rescuers didn’t care. What mattered was that he was alive — and free.
What followed was even more moving. Hilditch watched as the deer’s mother tended to him, carefully licking the areas where the bucket had rubbed his face, eyes and throat.
“I watched Mom nonstop, cleaning and comforting him,” Hilditch said. “It was incredible.”
In a world that can often feel harsh, Bucket Boy’s story became something else entirely — a reminder of compassion, persistence and community.
“It was so beautiful to see something like this bring an entire neighborhood — even a whole state — together,” Hilditch said. “All because people cared about one deer.”
And thanks to that care, Bucket Boy got his miracle.
