Two snowmobilers riding a trail from Maine to New Hampshire came across a surprising sight — a young moose stuck deep in the snow and unable to move. The men were hesitant to approach at first, but after returning hours later and finding the moose still trapped, they got to work digging it free.
As the Instagram video states, it’s an unlikely story, but one that we have the good fortune to witness thanks to the footage shot by one of the rescuers. It’s heartening to see this type of kindness and sacrifice, and that their heroic efforts were triumphant.
Viewers of the news clip could not agree more wholeheartedly:
“We needed some kind and caring humanity…..been a rough few years.”
“Well done, gentlemen! You are heroes in my book!”
“Wonderful act of kindness 🫎”
And one commenter shared a relevant but possibly unfamiliar fact about the dangers of deep snow: “Tree wells are deadly for both skiers and wildlife. Glad they were able to free the moose.”
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Moose in Winter
Moose seem built for winter conditions with thick coats for warmth and long skinny legs that elevate them above snow drifts. But certain aspects of winter, such as deep snow, can be dangerous for the majestic beasts for several reasons.
Moose are heavy creatures, and their weight can cause them to sink into snowdrifts and become trapped. Young moose like the one in the video are not strong enough to free themselves, and the results can be deadly.
In general, deep snow makes it hard for moose to move and nearly impossible to reach their normal food sources. To conserve energy and find easier paths, they head toward plowed roads and rail lines — which, unfortunately, brings them into close contact with cars and trains, risking collision. With their usual food sources, like willow, buried under drifts, they expend more calories than they are taking in trying to locate food, and some starve because of this.
The world needs more good Samaritans like the men in the video, especially when it comes to the safety of wildlife. But what can we do to try to prevent dangerous situations like this from happening?
Wildlife officials say there are a few simple ways people can help during harsh winters — and most of them come down to giving moose space. Creating packed trails in safe areas can help moose reach food without moving onto roads or railways. And most importantly: don’t feed them. Feeding wildlife may feel helpful, but it draws moose closer to neighborhoods and traffic and ultimately puts them at greater risk.
Finding ways for humans and wildlife to share the same landscape remains complicated. The hope is simple — that moose can continue their quiet, solitary lives alongside us, and that we learn how to coexist without making survival harder for them.
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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Feb 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.