The state Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers and Environmental Conservation Police Officers rescued the animal after it was reported that the massive animal had broken through the ice and fallen into the icy waters of Lake Abanakee — located in the town of Indian Lake in eastern Hamilton County.

On Jan. 16, Division of Law Enforcement Lieutenant Robert Higgins and Environmental Conservation Officer Alan Brassard responded after receiving a report of a moose that had broken through the ice. The Officers arrived and observed the moose in the lake, surrounded by ice, and unable to get out of the water.

The officers spoke to DEC operations employees who advised a bystander had watched the moose walk out onto the lake and fall through approximately 200 feet from the town beach.

Forest Rangers Evan Nahor, Matthew Savarie and Adam Baldwin arrived a short time later to assist with rescuing the moose. Dressed in cold-water rescue gear, they ventured out onto the ice. Nahor began cutting a channel with his chainsaw while Higgins cleared the ice blocks, creating a pathway for the moose to free itself.

Savarie and Nahor then guided the moose to shallow water near the shore. Once free from the water, the moose made several attempts to get up before regaining its strength, standing up on the stable ice, and walking off into the woods.

“With little time to spare, our (Environmental Conservation Officers) and Forest Rangers jumped into action without hesitation, braved the elements and risked their own safety to rescue an animal in need,” said Karen Przyklek, the director of DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement. “I’m proud of the work they’ve done to bring about such a positive outcome.”

The bull moose, which the DEC said had dropped its antlers, had reportedly spent approximately two hours in the frigid waters before it was saved. The DEC estimates there to be just over 700 moose living in the Adirondacks — the majority of which live in northern areas of the park, according to a presentation given during the Adirondack Park Agency’s October meeting.

“I applaud our Forest Rangers and (Environmental Conservation Officers) on their coordinated and heroic efforts to rescue an animal that was clearly in distress,” said Drew Cavanagh, the acting director of the DEC’s Division of Forest Protection. “It’s a testament to the professionalism, resilience and dedication of these two police forces to New York’s natural resources and wildlife.”

Video of the rescue, as well as interviews with the officers and rangers involved can be found at tinyurl.com/mryphcju.

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Ice safety

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The DEC reminds ice anglers to be safe when venturing onto the ice this season, especially given recent variations in weather conditions. Outdoor enthusiasts considering ice fishing should always be aware of essential safety guidelines and make sure ice is thick enough before heading out.

Before leaving shore, ice anglers are advised to check the thickness of ice. Four inches of solid, clear ice is usually safe for anglers accessing ice on foot. However, ice thickness can vary between waterbodies and even within the same waterbody, increasing the need to ensure thickness.

Anglers should be particularly cautious of areas of moving water and around boat docks and houses where bubblers may be installed to reduce ice from forming. Checking the ice can easily be done with an auger or “spud bar” (a long, metal tool with a chisel on one end) at various spots.

Local bait and tackle shops are a great resource for finding out where there is safe ice and what anglers are catching. In addition, fishing with family and friends is also encouraged for safety.