TOWNSEND – Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers and the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit found and safely returned to his family mid-day Sunday a 13-year-old boy reported lost earlier that morning while looking for shed deer antlers on the Eagles Nest Wildlife Area.

After the youngster became separated from family members at the Sandom Tract of the wildlife area, the family searched until late morning and called 911 after they were unable to find him. Fish & Wildlife officers set up a command post and coordinated search efforts by responding agencies on the 130+ acre property, with the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit locating the boy standing in waist-deep water in Blackbird Creek.

Fish & Wildlife officers on foot reached the boy and led him out of the woods to be reunited with his family. He was later transported to Christiana Medical Center for medical evaluation and treatment for minor hypothermia.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police were assisted in the search by DSP aviation and Troop 9 patrol units, DNREC Parks & Recreation Natural Resources Police, the Townsend Fire Department and New Castle County Paramedics.

Media Contacts: Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 34

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