Mud the dog got stuck in the snow.
Officials were forced to bring in some heavy duty machinery to help to rescue a camper and his dog, Mud, who got stuck out in some deep snow outside Big Bear Wednesday.
The San Bernardino County Fire Department rescued the man in Holcomb Valley using a Snowcat after several feet of snow dropped on the area, making it impassable by foot. The department said the man was “several miles” into the wilderness.
A video released by the department shows a Snowcat 96, designed to travel in snow, rolling over the vast snow-covered landscape until they found the man and his dog near their car.
“With the help of our snowcat here, we’re going to pick this guy up and bring him home to his family safely,” San Bernardino County Fire Department captain Anthony Muscarello said in the video.
The man had been stuck for a few days, but officials say he was well-prepared with food, water and supplies.
Fire Crew on Snowcat Saves Stranded Camper and Dog
When winter weather moves in faster than expected, even experienced outdoorsmen can find themselves in a tough spot. Yesterday, a camper exploring in Holcomb Valley, just a few miles from the Pacific Crest Trail, became stranded… pic.twitter.com/FFtazOajPG
— San Bernardino County Fire (@SBCOUNTYFIRE) February 20, 2026
When officials arrived, video showed the man’s dog snug in a coat and a hat. They loaded the dog into the treaded vehicle, and headed back to safety.
“When winter weather moves in faster than expected, even experienced outdoorsmen can find themselves in a tough spot. Yesterday, a camper exploring in Holcomb Valley, just a few miles from the Pacific Crest Trail, became stranded after more than three feet of snow blanketed the area,” SBCFD wrote in a post on X.
“#SBCoFD is grateful this incident had a positive outcome and proud of the teamwork that made it possible,” they concluded, asking prospective wilderness explorers to plan, carry the proper supplies and check weather forecasts before setting out.
