Man Leaps Into Lake To Save A Drowning Deer

"This melts my heart! Makes me see there are still good people in this world."

On Sunday, authorities in Montgomery County, Texas, were called out to rescue a distressed deer who was at risk of drowning in a nearby lake.

But a kindhearted stranger beat them to it.

Montgomery County Pct. 1 Constable

Dramatic footage released by the Montgomery County Precinct One Constable's Office shows a local resident, identified simply as "Patrick" in media reports, putting his own safety on the line to aid the struggling animal.

It's unclear how or why the deer had entered Lake Conroe, but it was obvious she would likely drown without intervention. While deer are capable swimmers, a bulkhead wall lining the shore to prevent erosion was apparently too high for the deer to surmount, so Patrick leapt into the water to swim her to a dock where she could be lifted to dry land by an awaiting officer.

Afterward, the deer was visibly exhausted — but thanks to the rescuer's actions, her life had been saved.

Montgomery County Pct. 1 Constable

According to comments on the video posted online, the deer then slept for four hours in the grass before returning to the woods, apparently no worse for the frightening ordeal. And though the hero's full name has not been officially disclosed, he's earning plenty of praise for showing the best of humanity.

"This melts my heart!" one commenter remarked. "Makes me see there are still good people in this world."