Skip to content

Moose cold, suffering from shock

After reading the article on the recovery and subsequent death of the moose calf on Adams Lake, I have some thoughts on this matter.

After reading the article on the recovery and subsequent death of the moose calf on Adams Lake, I have some thoughts on this matter.

I believe there is good in all people and I commend those who risked their lives to rescue this animal. The whole matter does cause me some concerns. Had anyone thought of the well-being of this moose? It was in very cold water for apparently a long time and they dragged it from the hole and left. I don’t know if it was dry or wet but it was probably cold.

There are several things wrong with this scene. I would imagine after being in cold water for that length of time, it was suffering from hypothermia. After being in water and also being handled by people, it was probably also suffering from shock. (The picture indicates the moose is suffering and probably dying, not bonding.)

The article does not indicate if any attempt was made to take the meat of the animal. Maybe the person who shot it felt the animal was dying a slow death and decided the best thing to do was put it out of its misery. They then attempted to put it someplace that was not visible.

It has been suggested that the hole was made by a fisherman. Most holes that I have seen made by a fisherman are six to eight inches in diameter, some maybe larger. A moose would break its leg in these and not fall through the ice.

I suspect it was closer to the truth to say the ice was thin from a spring or flowing water. Maybe the ice was just not strong enough to support the weight of the moose.

Lee Hankey

Red Deer