Heroic Rescue: DEC Officers save Moose Trapped in Frozen Lake Abanakee
On a frigid Thursday morning in Indian Lake, N.Y., a dramatic rescue unfolded as a young moose fell through the ice on Lake Abanakee.Thanks too the swift actions of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officers, the animal was successfully saved from the icy waters.
The incident began around 11:15 a.m. when a passerby spotted the moose struggling after breaking through the ice. DEC Enforcement Conservation Police Lt. Robert Higgins recounted the events in a video posted by the DEC, stating, “Police were called to Lake Abanakee in the town of Indian Lake after a person saw the moose fall through the ice.”
When officers arrived, they found the moose approximately 200 feet from shore. the animal had been trapped in the freezing water for nearly two hours, with temperatures plummeting to a bone-chilling 12 degrees that morning. “Every minute counts when something is in that cold water,” Higgins emphasized. “The quicker you can get that animal or person out of the ice, the better chance you have for survival.”
The rescue team,including DEC Rangers Evan Nahor and Matt Savarie,sprang into action. Using jet sleds to prevent themselves from falling through the ice, they carefully cut a path from the moose’s location to the shore. savarie described the challenging conditions, noting that the ice thickness varied from 4 inches to a precarious 1 inch.
Guiding the moose to safety proved to be no easy task. The rangers attempted to coax the animal by poking it with various tools, but it was only when they used their jet sleds that the moose responded. “For whatever reason, it was scared of those,” Savarie explained. “Once we got behind it, we were able to direct it to the path, and it actually swam out pretty quick to shore.”
The moose’s initial struggle on the icy surface raised concerns. “We weren’t sure if it was going to make it at that point,” savarie admitted. However, after about 15 minutes, the animal regained its footing and disappeared into a nearby wooded area.
The rescued moose was later identified as a bull moose that had recently shed its antlers, according to the DEC. Despite the extreme conditions, the collaborative efforts of the DEC officers and rangers ensured a successful outcome.
Key Details of the Rescue
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Lake Abanakee, Indian Lake, N.Y. |
| Time of Incident | Around 11:15 a.m. on Thursday |
| Temperature | 12 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Rescue Team | DEC Rangers Evan Nahor and Matt Savarie |
| Tools Used | Jet sleds, chainsaw |
| Outcome | Moose successfully rescued and released into nearby woods |
This heartwarming rescue highlights the dedication of New York’s DEC officers and their ability to adapt to unexpected challenges.For more details on wildlife conservation efforts, visit the DEC’s official website.
What do you think about this incredible rescue? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for more updates on wildlife stories in your area.Heroic rescue: First Responders Save Moose Trapped in Lake Ice
In a remarkable display of bravery and ingenuity, New York conservation officials successfully rescued a bull moose that had fallen through the ice at Lake Abanakee in the Adirondack Mountains. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025, prompting a swift response from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers and Environmental Conservation Police Officers.
The rescue was no small feat. “There’s no training manual for getting a moose out of the ice,” said Higgins, one of the responders involved in the operation. The team faced freezing temperatures and treacherous conditions as they worked tirelessly to free the massive animal from the icy waters.
The moose,a symbol of the region’s wildlife,had wandered onto the frozen lake,only to fall through the thin ice. The responders used specialized equipment and techniques to carefully extract the animal,ensuring its safety while minimizing stress. The operation lasted several hours,but their efforts paid off as the moose was eventually freed and released back into its natural habitat.
This rescue highlights the dedication of New york’s conservation officials, who often face unpredictable challenges in their mission to protect wildlife. The incident also serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by unstable ice, especially during the winter months.
Key Details of the Rescue
| Aspect | details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Lake Abanakee, Adirondack Mountains, New York |
| Date | January 16, 2025 |
| Time | around 11 a.m. |
| Responders | NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers and Police |
| Challenges | Freezing temperatures, unstable ice, lack of specialized training |
| Outcome | Moose successfully rescued and released |
For more breaking news and updates on wildlife conservation efforts, follow Timia Cobb,who covers these stories with dedication and insight.
This heartwarming rescue is a testament to the resilience of both wildlife and the humans who work tirelessly to protect them. It’s a story that reminds us of the delicate balance between nature and the challenges it presents.
