“Free-Wandering Moose in Southern Minnesota Sparks Anticipation: Awaiting the Grand Finale of a Safe Journey”
“Embark on the mesmerizing odyssey of a wandering moose in southern Minnesota, affectionately dubbed ‘Bullwinkle’ or ‘Rutt.’ Tracked by a dedicated Facebook following of 18,000 enthusiasts, Bernie Stang, the first to spot this rare visitor in late October, initiated the captivating journey.
Stay tuned for updates and speculation surrounding the moose’s extraordinary trek, guided by Todd Froberg, an esteemed big game expert from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. This northern Minnesota native embarks on an unprecedented quest, leaving us to ponder whether it seeks home territory or companionship.
Join our community in monitoring this exceptional journey, anticipating the moose’s safe navigation through central and southern Minnesota. A collective hope prevails that this majestic creature, perhaps a bit disoriented and yearning for family, will find its way back to familiar grounds. Let’s unite in marveling at nature’s wonders and expressing deep appreciation for the enchanting presence of this magnificent creature.”
Amateur moose-tracker Brenda Johnson noted a surge in traffic on the Facebook page, of which she is the administrator, starting in September when the moose was spotted in Iowa near the Minnesota border.
Rutt’s Expedition: Traversing Dakota Trails to Weave Minnesota Tales
Detecting Rutt’s trajectory from North Dakota, traversing South Dakota and Iowa before returning to Minnesota, was spurred by aligning moose descriptions in South Dakota news reports.
In 2018, Brenda Johnson launched the Central MN Moose on the Loose Facebook page to monitor a moose’s ill-fated journey, culminating tragically in a collision with a semi while crossing a highway.
Rutt’s devotees, haunted by the specter of a similar fate, anxiously tracked his progress on the fan page, breathing sighs of relief as the colossal creature safely navigated Interstate 94.
In a quest for solace amid life’s challenges, Danielle Magnuson embarked on a month-long search for Rutt, finally pinpointing him near Sauk Centre on Nov. 13 after days of relentless efforts.
Spotting Rutt was akin to encountering a mythical creature, according to Magnuson. “They’re just really beautiful animals, and we don’t get a chance to see them around our area,” she enthused.
For 26-year-old Holly Stang, who had never witnessed a moose before, Rutt’s sighting held profound significance, prompting her to bestow the creature with the name “Rutt.”
“This moose has brought so much joy to so many people and so much hope,” shared Bernie Stang, “because most people in their lifetime never get to see a moose.”