Another Search and Rescue Success!!! 

February 26, 2026 – Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office officials report that on February 19, 2026, members of the Tuolumne County Search and Rescue (SAR) team completed a winter wilderness response to assist a 65-year-old man and his dog who had run critically low on food, life-saving medication, and firewood at his remote cabin in the Long Barn area. Conditions were severe, with access to the residence impeded by downed trees and approximately 3 feet of deep, soft snow.

Three volunteers and one team leader responded to the emergency using SAR’s Polaris side-by-side equipped with snow tracks. Shortly after departure, the team encountered a fallen tree blocking the road, requiring chainsaw work to clear the way. The team repeatedly navigated soft terrain; on several occasions, the side-by-side became stuck and required digging out before continuing.

Approximately halfway to the cabin, two members stayed with the vehicle to work through difficult sections of the snowy track. At the same time, the team leader and another volunteer continued on foot, using snowshoes, for the final third of a mile. They located the man and his dog inside the cabin, where the man had resorted to burning interior paneling in a desperate effort to stay warm.

The team provided immediate assistance, safely escorting the man and his dog back to the side-by-side. They were transported to a hotel in Sonora for safe lodging, warmth, and further care.

View video here.

Source: Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office