Wildlife biologists in Pembroke, Maine, carried out a surprising rescue this week after finding a moose trapped in a well.
According to Maine Public, wildlife biologist Steve Dunham received a call about a young moose that had become trapped in an old stone well, hidden by dense vegetation, on private property.
After arriving at the scene, the team sedated the moose using a syringe attached to a long pole. Dunham was then able to go down into the pit and place straps under the moose’s body with the help of equipment on the ground. An excavator was then used to bring it safely to the surface before Dunham administered medication to reverse the immobilization, allowing the moose to escape.
The entire rescue mission lasted an incredible five hours, according to The Guardian, and was filmed by the family that owned the land.
“We knew we would have to restrain him to get him out, because a bull moose in heat is not a formidable animal. And he’s very powerful,” said Dunham, a biologist with the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, according to Maine Public.
Heartwarming stories like these demonstrate the lengths some people are willing to go to rescue wildlife from unfortunate situations. Without help, the young moose would likely have been trapped in the well and likely starved to death.
Animals play a key role in our world and there are many organizations working to protect them. Moose are important keystone species that help maintain forest health by managing plant growth. They are also culturally important to many indigenous and rural communities, who depend on them as a vital source of food and materials for clothing and other items.
Uncovered wells, especially those that are hidden, pose a threat to wildlife and people, who can become trapped or even drown if they fall. Securing them with hedges or fencing can help prevent these unfortunate situations from occurring.
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