Wardens Locate Missing 2-Year-Old In Jay, Maine With Help From K-9

A parent's worst nightmare came to a happy ending Tuesday afternoon, thanks to members of the Maine Warden Service and a K-9 named Koda.

Mark Latti, Director of Communications for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, says a child went missing from its front yard on Tripp Lane in Jay at around 11 AM Tuesday. The toddler had been playing outside while its mother was doing chores nearby.

When the family couldn't locate the toddler after an initial search of the grounds, they immediately called 911, and rescue services were started.

"Due to the child’s age, multiple agencies immediately responded, including Franklin Sheriff’s Office, Jay Police Department, Jay Fire Department, Northstar EMS and 14 Maine Game Wardens including 2 Warden K9’s."

"A search of the buildings and woods quickly commenced. At approximately 1:15 p.m., Game Warden Voter and K9 Koda located the child in thick brush about 300 yards northwest of the back of the house. The child was healthy and alert, and had only minor scrapes received from walking through the woods."

After being checked out by emergency services and deemed to be alright, the child was returned to its family.

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Maine Game Warden Sergeant Scott Thrasher said he was pleased with how the search was executed and that it ultimately ended with a positive outcome.

“Warden Voter and K9 Koda did an excellent job locating this young toddler in the thick woods where she was hidden by the brush. Given the child’s age, it was important to get multiple searchers here quickly and get them searching. It was great teamwork by multiple agencies that made for a very happy ending for the toddler and her family.”