Saskatchewan Tow Truck Driver Rescues Moose From Ice

A tow truck driver in Saskatchewan is receiving widespread praise after rescuing a young moose trapped in ice near his hometown and helping the exhausted animal recover safely.

Clint Gottinger, who owns Rebel Towing in the community of Kelvington, said he was driving to work on towing jobs Saturday evening when he spotted the moose struggling in icy water near the roadside. Instead of continuing with his work, he decided to stop immediately and help the animal.

Gottinger later explained that he could not leave the moose behind after seeing how exhausted and helpless it looked in the freezing conditions. He said all other calls could wait because rescuing the animal became his top priority.

The tow truck driver carefully backed his truck close to the edge of the ice and lowered the truck’s flatbed deck. Using a soft recovery sling normally used for towing operations, he attempted to pull the moose out without injuring it. According to Gottinger, the animal appeared nervous but was too tired to resist strongly.

After wrapping the sling around the moose, he slowly began pulling it toward the truck deck using the winch system. Some nearby residents soon arrived to help with the difficult rescue. Together, they managed to lift the moose completely out of the ice and safely onto the tow truck.

Once the rescue was completed, Gottinger brought the moose back to his family home so it could rest and warm up. On the drive home, he phoned his wife and told her to prepare blankets because he was bringing home an unexpected guest — a moose.

When the truck arrived, the family covered the animal with blankets and allowed it to recover quietly in their yard. Gottinger said the moose was extremely weak and remained resting for several hours before finally standing up later that night.

The animal stayed near the family’s property throughout Sunday and only wandered away Monday morning after appearing stronger and more stable. Gottinger named the moose “Rebel,” inspired by the name of his towing company.

Photos and videos of the rescue quickly spread across social media, where many people praised the driver for his kindness and quick response. The story attracted thousands of reactions online, with many users describing it as a rare and heartwarming moment.

Wildlife experts also commented on the rescue. Ryan Brook, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan, said younger moose often have a better chance of recovery after incidents like this, especially during warmer temperatures. However, he warned that animals can still suffer stress-related conditions after traumatic events.

Brook explained that moose rescued from dangerous situations may experience a condition known as capture myopathy, which can cause serious muscle, heart, or kidney problems after extreme stress. He added that rescued animals often remain near safe areas for several days while recovering physically and mentally.

Despite the risks, Brook said the moose appeared to have a strong chance of survival as long as it continued eating, drinking, and resting properly after the rescue.

Wildlife experts also reminded the public that large animals like moose can become dangerous when frightened or injured. Officials recommend contacting wildlife authorities whenever possible during rescue situations involving wild animals.

For Gottinger, however, the rescue was simply about helping an animal in need. He said the story has brought happiness to many people online and believes positive stories like this are important.

The rescued moose eventually returned to the wild after spending nearly two days recovering near the family’s home, ending what many in the community are calling an unforgettable rescue story.