KHQ Right Now - News and Weather for Spokane and North Idaho | Momma moose rescued from Loon Lake

Momma moose rescued from Loon Lake

LOON LAKE, Wash. - For the second time this week a moose has been rescued after falling through the ice on loon lake.

Viewers have sent KHQ photos and video of the rescue that happened on Loon Lake around 11:30 Saturday.

Witnesses say Saturday morning a mother moose and her young calf were on the ice at Loon Lake when the larger moose fell through the ice. The moose struggled and was able to get out once, but fell right back through the ice. The younger moose waited on the ice in the middle of the bay, while the bigger moose tried and tried to get out.

According to KHQ viewers Loon Lake residents Tim Newman, Morie Baker, and Jamie Steele helped rescue the moose. The men borrowed a small aluminum boat from a neighbor, and used picks and shovels to try to clear a pathway of ice so the moose could swim to shore.

A Spokane Valley Fire fighter also showed up and helped using a small chain saw to cut through the ice.

The rescuers reportedly put a rope around the moose's neck and pulled it through the broken ice to shore. Loon Lake resident Sherrie Steele* said it took two hours to get the moose to shore and out of the lake..

A moose that was rescued from icy Newman Lake earlier in the week had to be put down Thursday night due to injuries it received trying to free itself from the lake.

* KHQ viewer Sherrie Steele provided KHQ with video of the rescue