In September, a massive moose found itself in serious trouble after accidentally falling into a stone well on a family farm in Pembroke, Maine. The loud crash caught the attention of 15-year-old Cole Brown, who happened to be nearby working on a project for his shed-building business.
Startled by the noise, Brown ran to alert his family. Together with his sister, Delaney Gardner, he rushed to investigate. When they peered into the well, they were stunned — a full-grown moose was trapped at the bottom, unable to climb out.
Realizing they needed help, the family contacted local wildlife officials. Soon, game wardens, biologists, and concerned neighbors arrived to lend a hand.
“It was amazing to see everyone come together to figure out how to get this moose out,” Gardner told News Center Maine. “There’s no manual for something like this, so watching the teamwork and quick thinking was incredible.”
Rescuers descended carefully into the well and sedated the animal to keep him calm. They gently tied a cloth over his eyes before securing him in a sturdy harness. After several attempts — and a lot of coordination between manpower and machinery — the team successfully hoisted the enormous moose to safety.
Once freed, the moose lay quietly on the grass as the sedative began to wear off. Wildlife biologists examined him for injuries and were relieved to find he was in good condition. After a short rest, the moose regained his strength, stood up, and lumbered toward the forest.
“It took off with a strong stride, putting weight on all four legs,” said state wildlife biologist Steve Dunham, who assisted with the rescue. “Other than some bruises — and maybe a bit of a hangover — it should make a full recovery.”
Thanks to a quick-thinking teenager, a supportive community, and dedicated wildlife experts, one lucky moose got a second chance at life back in the Maine woods.