Bluffton's Bambi - this story could have easily taken place in Ada
Note: This is a story about a newborn fawn who happened to be caught in the May 28 flash flood and separated from its mother. The story took place in Bluffton, but the Icon thought it might be of interest to Ada Icon viewers.
On Sunday the Bluffton Icon posted a photo of a newborn fawn discovered in an unnamed Bluffton location. In that story we revealed that Bambi was alone, and curled up in some greenery.
We concluded that:
1 - Bambi was an orphan, or
2 - Bambi's mother left the fawn with plans to return later.
We explored the internet and learned what we should and should not do when finding a fawn alone. And, we abided by the rules. The next day we spotted Bambi's mother nearby and decided to leave things alone. Since then, Bambi and mother have disappeared and we've concluded that everything is okay.
That's the not the entire story, however.
Rick Skilliter, Bluffton police chief, read the story and provided more details, which took place prior to our finding Bambi. Here's his information. The rushing water incident refers to the flash flood of May 28:
"Police officers Luke Brodman and Tyler Hochstetler discovered “Bambi” trapped against a tree as the rushing water pined it against a unnamed bridge. The officers used a rescue pole carried in the police cruisers to pull young Bambi to safety.
"There was no sign of mom or any other siblings. The officers used a blanket to warm Bambi and keep him getting too close to the water again. After about an hour, the officers learned there was a herd of deer on Bentley Road.
"The officers loaded Bambi into the police cruiser for his very first ride a police car (no lights and sirens so as not to spook the rest of the family). The officers re-introduced Bambi to the herd and watched to make sure he would be welcomed with open hooves.
"After a successful rescue and reuniting of the family, the officers returned to flood watch duties.
Just another example of the comprehensive police services we have here in Bluffton."
Stories Posted This Week
Sunday, September 6, 2026
Saturday, September 5, 2026
Friday, September 4, 2026
- Labor Day weekend pause for the Icons
- Bluffton Icon headlines, Sept. 1-4
- Ada chamber holds custom-made Harvest & Herb football raffle
- Before Our Weakness Gets Too Strong: Science to modulate our immune system
- Ada Library Flower Arrangement Class
- P.S. Why read, like and share local news?
- Bulldog volleyball rallies past Lima Temple Christian
- Bulldog girls soccer shuts out Delphos Jefferson
- Meet Dailah and Kenley, Ada candidates for Hardin County Fair queen
Thursday, September 3, 2026
- UWF hosts Chicken and Noodle Luncheon on Sept. 19
- Bulldog boys soccer loses to undefeated Miller City
- The Pulse opens Freed Center season on September 12-13
- ONU Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, September 25-26
- Ada Council recap: Vendor documentation query and rail spur update
- Save the date: Sept. 19 is 40th Harvest & Herb Festival