Utah deputy frees moose stuck in chains of swing
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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A moose was freed from a strange backyard entanglement thanks to a brave Utah deputy and a pair of cutters.
Sgt. Lane Findlay found himself face to face with the moose whose antlers were wrapped up in a backyard swing set this weekend.
The Weber County Sheriff's deputy got the call Sunday and responded to a residential community outside Ogden, about 40 miles north of Salt Lake City. He said the moose appeared in distress, and was bleeding.
Findlay said he handed his mobile phone to an onlooker and asked the person to shoot video, telling him, "If something happens to me, give this to my wife."
The video shows the moose twisting in an attempt to free its antlers from the metal chains of the swing as Findlay cautiously approaches with the cutters. He clips the chain links one by one until the moose finally pulls free and wanders off with minor injuries.
Findlay said he initially called wildlife officials but was told it might take an hour for them to respond.
"I just made the decision to go in there and see what I could do," he said Wednesday. "Fortunately, the moose was tired and it didn't seem threatened."
Once free, the moose trotted to a nearby bucket of water and began drinking, "then he collapsed right there on the ground," Findlay said.
He said he spent about an hour spraying down the animal with a hose while waiting for wildlife officials to arrive and asses the moose's health.
"Pretty crazy stuff," he said. "This is certainly a first for me, and hopefully a last."
Sgt. Lane Findlay found himself face to face with the moose whose antlers were wrapped up in a backyard swing set this weekend.
The Weber County Sheriff's deputy got the call Sunday and responded to a residential community outside Ogden, about 40 miles north of Salt Lake City. He said the moose appeared in distress, and was bleeding.
Findlay said he handed his mobile phone to an onlooker and asked the person to shoot video, telling him, "If something happens to me, give this to my wife."
The video shows the moose twisting in an attempt to free its antlers from the metal chains of the swing as Findlay cautiously approaches with the cutters. He clips the chain links one by one until the moose finally pulls free and wanders off with minor injuries.
Findlay said he initially called wildlife officials but was told it might take an hour for them to respond.
"I just made the decision to go in there and see what I could do," he said Wednesday. "Fortunately, the moose was tired and it didn't seem threatened."
Once free, the moose trotted to a nearby bucket of water and began drinking, "then he collapsed right there on the ground," Findlay said.
He said he spent about an hour spraying down the animal with a hose while waiting for wildlife officials to arrive and asses the moose's health.
"Pretty crazy stuff," he said. "This is certainly a first for me, and hopefully a last."
Good job Sgt. It was a bit risky, but I am sure you were watching the reaction as each link was cut. It was a brave thing to do, and I bet (along with most) that his wife was very proud of him. Moose are very dangerous during mating season, but if not feeling threatened, can be docile. I remember one at about 35 mile, south of Fairbanks that would just stand there and let its picture be taken from 30-40 feet. Am I the only one to see the pictures of that one back east that the guy used for logging? Full harness, chains, and a steel âtreeâ. Hooked right up with his horses and pulling away.Â
Moose burgers...mmmmm.
@Elvis
Actually a roast is the way to go. Nothing beats a properly cooked moose roast, if not shot during rutting season. Then all the meat is a bit off. Dang I'm hungry and I had dinner already.
Thank you, Sgt. Â Moose can be pretty nasty but it sure sounds like this one knew help when it came. Â I'm glad it was OK.
Good job Sgt Lane! That was brave and amazing work. That animal needed help.
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My only critique is I wished the video was longer! It cut right as it was getting good.
Wow I'm sorry but if I was that guy's wife I'd be pissed, he was really dumb and took a stupid chance. Up in Alaska lots of people die every year from moose maulings. This guy is lucky he didn't become a Darwin award.
 @NorthwestEconomist If it were my husband, I'd be proud of him as well.  I trust him enough to asses the situation and determine it was safe enough to approach. Â
 @stamperzann I'm with you!
 @NorthwestEconomist If I were that guy's wife, I'd be so proud of him I'd be wrapping him up in hugs and kisses all night long.
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Pretty sure that besides being totally exhausted and frightened, that moose knew he was being helped.
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It's people who "don't want to get involved" that put ME off. What's the point of living if every moment is an exercise to avoid something that "might happen?"
 @comdown Hey, I think I know some sharks, tigers and hippos that need help, are you available?
He said he spent about an hour spraying down the animal with a hose while waiting for wildlife officials to arrive and asses the moose's health.
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Well normally i would think there were going to ASSESS the moose's health, but hey who am I to judge.
 @MomOf2 I thought the word looked wrong... haha