Full Breakdown
Snowmobilers Rescue Moose Buried in Snow in New Hampshire
2/19/2026, 10:51:46 AM
Incident Overview
On a winter day in New Hampshire, a group of five snowmobilers, led by Jim Wuellenweber, encountered a moose that had become trapped in deep snow off a trail near the Canadian border. The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. as the group was traveling from Pittsburg, New Hampshire, to Rangeley, Maine. Initially, the snowmobilers observed the moose running across the road but decided to leave it alone. However, upon returning three hours later, they found the moose buried up to its neck in nearly five feet of snow.
Rescue Efforts
The snowmobilers took action to assist the moose, which had not moved from its position. Wuellenweber described how they packed down the snow around the animal and removed branches that were preventing it from standing. The rescue effort lasted about an hour, during which the group remained cautious of the moose's potential unpredictability. Wuellenweber noted, “We were actually petting the thing while we were helping it.” Eventually, the moose was able to stand and, after a brief moment of hesitation, it walked away.
Wildlife Context
According to Andrew Timmins, game programs supervisor for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, there are approximately 3,000 to 4,000 moose in the state. Timmins highlighted that the moose population has been affected by a heavy season of winter ticks, which can deplete the animals' energy and health. He advised that while the snowmobilers' intentions were commendable, it is generally best to observe wildlife from a safe distance due to the potential for moose to act unpredictably.
Criticism & Opposition
While the snowmobilers' actions were well-intentioned, wildlife experts caution against direct interaction with moose. Timmins reiterated the importance of maintaining a respectful distance, as moose can become aggressive if they feel threatened. This perspective underscores the need for public awareness regarding wildlife safety.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Come on baby, let's go,” — Jim Wuellenweber, Snowmobiler
- “If I had to guess, this moose was about two years old, most likely a female.” — Jim Wuellenweber, Snowmobiler
- “Moose can be unpredictable,” — Andrew Timmins, Game Programs Supervisor, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Conclusion
The rescue of the moose by the snowmobilers highlights both the compassion of individuals towards wildlife and the complexities of human-animal interactions in natural settings. As winter conditions continue to challenge local wildlife, the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between assisting animals in distress and respecting their natural behaviors.
