Cave Explorers See Movement In 30-Foot Pit, Rescue Dog Who Was Trapped For Weeks

September 9, 2021

A group of cavers have rescued a dog that spent approximately two weeks trapped inside a cave.

cavers rescue dog
Credit: Harrison County Animal Control

The cavers were exploring Dewey Hickman Nature Preserve in Harrison County, Indiana, when they saw movement in the pit.

They looked down and saw a thin black-and-white dog at the bottom of a 30-foot drop.

dog rescued from cave
Credit: Harrison County Animal Control

The cavers rappelled down and were able to lift the dog out of the cave. The malnourished pup was then taken to Harrison County Animal Control, a shelter in Corydon.

"Based on his condition, we believe he may have been in the cave for up to two weeks," a spokesperson said. "He is very thin, and his collar is very loose, leading us to believe he had been in the cave long enough to drop a significant amount of weight."

The cavers reported there was an empty turtle shell at the bottom of the cave, which may have helped collect rainwater and kept him alive.

dog trapped in cave rescued
Credit: Harrison County Animal Control