Buck rescued from frozen river

A lone buck has been rescued from certain death after becoming trapped in a semi-frozen river in the US.

The beast appears to have become helplessly stuck after crossing a section of the Big Thompson River in Colorado that was not entirely iced over.

In distressing footage upload today by YouTube user DJ Walsh, the animal attempts to pull its hind legs out of the icy water without success.

Despite frantically scratching its front legs over the lip of the broken ice, it continues to fall on the river's slippery winter coating.

It's not until two officers from the Estes Park police department intervene that the animal's fate is sure.

As the buck appears to tire and looks certain to give in, the two officers slowly approach the animal carrying with them a large rope.

After the animal allows itself to be lassoed, a tense game of tug and war ensures with the beast finally succumbing to its helpers.

"Alright, yeah!" calls the man filming the animal's rescue.

The buck is pulled to safety and is seen gingerly walking off into the nearby forest.