‘After a brief moment to recover, the young moose stood up and walked away,’ say police
Two officers from the Manitoulin OPP were in the right place at the right time when they came across a young moose in need of help.
On Saturday, May 9, the Manitoulin Detachment of the OPP was patrolling Highway 6 North of the Little Current Swing Bridge and spotted a moose caught in a wire fence along the roadway.
The moose was lying on the ground and unable to free itself.
“Using the tools they had on hand and a bit of teamwork, the officers carefully cut the fence around the moose’s legs and were able to free the moose without injury,” says a release. “After a brief moment to recover, the young moose stood up and walked away.”
It is a harrowing sight for any motorist or landowner: a young moose tangled in a wire fence, struggling against the metal strands.
These incidents are common along rural corridors where wildlife paths intersect with human boundaries. While the instinct to help is immediate, wildlife officials stress that safety and technique are paramount to ensuring both the animal and the rescuer survive the encounter.
A trapped moose is an animal in “fight or flight” mode, so if you encounter one, before approaching, assess the situation from a distance. If the animal is thrashing, wait for it to tire; a kick from a moose can be fatal.
Your first option, if possible, is to contact local wildlife authorities or police who have experience with large animal restraint.
If that’s not possible, use heavy-duty wire cutters or bolt cutters. Never attempt to untie or unwrap wire by hand.
Covering the moose’s eyes with a damp towel or jacket can sometimes calm the animal, though this should only be attempted if it can be done without entering the “strike zone” of its legs.
When cutting the fence, start with the wires under the least tension to prevent the fence from snapping back. Work quickly and maintain a clear escape route. Once the wire is snipped, back away immediately.
Even an exhausted moose can regain its strength quickly once freed, often standing up and bolting into the brush without warning.