DEC Forest Rangers and Econ Police Rescue Moose Trapped in Ice in Hamilton County

Heroic Effort Braves the Elements to Free Trapped Animal

DEC Rangers and Officers Save Moose

In a daring and frigid rescue, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers acted quickly. Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) joined them. They saved a bull moose trapped in the icy waters of Lake Abanakee in the Adirondacks. The dramatic event unfolded on January 16 in the town of Indian Lake. The massive animal had broken through the ice approximately 200 feet from shore.

The rescue began when Division of Law Enforcement Lieutenant Robert Higgins arrived at the scene. Environmental Conservation Officer Alan Brassard also arrived after they received a report of the struggling moose. They quickly assessed the situation. DEC operations employees informed them a bystander had seen the moose fall through the ice.

Shortly after, Forest Rangers Evan Nahor, Matthew Savarie, and Adam Baldwin joined the effort. Equipped with cold-water rescue gear, they carefully made their way onto the ice. Ranger Nahor took the lead. He cut a channel with his chainsaw. Lieutenant Higgins cleared away the ice blocks. Together, they created a pathway for the moose to reach safety.

New York Rangers rescue Moose in the ice

Once the channel was finished, Rangers Savarie and Nahor guided the exhausted animal toward shallower waters. The moose had endured nearly two hours in the freezing lake. At first, it struggled, but eventually, it found the strength to stand on solid ice. Then it walked off into the woods.

Karen Przyklek, Director of DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement, praised the responders:

“With little time to spare, our ECOs and Forest Rangers jumped into action without hesitation, braved the elements, and risked their own safety to rescue an animal in need. I’m proud of the work they’ve done to bring about such a positive outcome.”

Drew Cavanagh, Acting Director of DEC’s Division of Forest Protection, also commended the team:

“I applaud our Forest Rangers and ECOs on their coordinated and heroic efforts to rescue an animal that was clearly in distress. It’s a testament to the professionalism, resilience, and dedication of these two Police forces to New York’s natural resources and wildlife.”

The moose is now safe. It serves as a testament to the dedication of those who work tirelessly. They protect both wildlife and the environment.

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