Newfoundlanders rescue baby moose trapped in snowbank
While Canadians across the country are starting up their barbecues, some Newfoundlanders are still facing winter woes, such as a moose calf trapped in a snowbank.
That’s the scene one family came home to last Friday in Ship Cove, N.L.
“I happened to look out the kitchen window and I knew I wasn’t seeing something right,” Kathleen Tucker told The Weather Network in a recorded video. “It looked like a dead or injured moose on a snowbank, and we just don’t see that.”
Kathleen’s husband, Leonard, and his brother, Robert, decided to grab their shovels and try to help the moose calf who was half buried in snow and weak from the cold. The two men figured if they shoved the snow away from the animal, he would have enough room to walk away on his own.
“He was helpless,” Kathleen explained. “And I think knowing the nocturnal life that’s around here— like the foxes and the coyotes — I don’t think he would have lasted the night.”
The two videos show Leonard and Robert clearing the show around the calf with shovels and then using a piece of wood to help prop the animal up so it could regain its footing. In the background, you can hear Kathleen offering words of encouragement to both the men and the moose.
Suddenly, the animal lifts its head and slowly rises from the snow. After a few seconds it takes off out of view, but pauses for a moment almost as if to say thanks to its rescuers.
The Tuckers decided to track the moose across the road to make sure it got to safety, but the animal was so exhausted from the ordeal, it collapsed again.
“He was totally exhausted again,” Leonard said. “An hour later, he got up and trotted up the road.”
Many people on YouTube expressed gratitude to these helpful Canadians who likely saved the life of a young moose.
“Good on you, it is great to see such love and respect for such a lovely animal,” YouTube user Velma Hart said in response to the clips.
“Why does this make me feel proud to be Canadian,” Chris Bertucci added.
“Respect to all the Canadians out there,” wrote Ansel Zeng.
