Son Says He Put Starving Moose in Headlock and Had to Shoot It to Save His Mom During Attack

A family in Saskatchewan faced a harrowing ordeal earlier this month when a starving moose attacked a woman outside her home in Bienfait, leading her son to intervene in a life-threatening situation. The incident has drawn attention to the risks posed by wildlife encounters as well as the emotional toll such experiences can take on those involved.

Angie Tuffnell was starting her car in freezing temperatures when she unexpectedly startled a moose that was seeking warmth near a dryer vent. According to reports from local media including the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and Global News, the animal, apparently in distress due to a scarcity of food and harsh winter conditions, charged at her without warning.

Shawn Tuffnell, Angie’s son, heard his mother scream and rushed outside, only to find the moose looming over her. In a bid to protect his mother, Shawn struck the animal with his fists, but when this proved ineffective, he resorted to hitting it with a shovel. As the situation escalated, Shawn retreated into the house, but the agitated moose attempted to force its way inside, putting both mother and son at risk.

“I was terrified but knew I had to do something,” Shawn recalled. “All I could think was just to get it off her.” Determined to protect his mother, Shawn managed to wrestle the moose into a headlock, hoping to blind the creature and redirect its focus.

As the struggle continued, Angie’s boyfriend grabbed a rifle, allowing Shawn to shoot the animal multiple times. Reports indicated that he fired more than twelve rounds at the moose. Sadly, both Angie and Shawn sustained injuries during the incident; Angie sustained a deep cut on her leg, while Shawn suffered a cracked rib.

The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative later confirmed that the moose had died from gunshot wounds to the head but did not have rabies. Rather, the animal was in a state of starvation, which likely contributed to its aggressive behaviour.

In the aftermath of the incident, Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Community Safety released a statement advising residents to maintain a safe distance from wildlife, particularly during the winter months when animals may be struggling to find food. They noted that moose, while generally less aggressive than some other wildlife, pose risks, particularly when they are startled or feel threatened.

The encounter has also highlighted a broader issue regarding wildlife behaviour in urbanised areas. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while moose typically flee from threats, they can become aggressive under distressing circumstances, especially when they remain hungry or tired. This includes situations where they might perceive people, dogs, or traffic as threats to their safety or their young.

In light of this alarming incident, local authorities and wildlife agencies are keen to educate the public on recognising moose behaviour and understanding their body language. Providing such knowledge could potentially help people remain safe and avoid dangerous encounters in the future.

Despite the traumatic experience, Shawn expressed a mix of emotions about having to kill the moose. “I’m not happy about killing the moose,” he stated. “But we’re all alive, and it seemed like it had to be done.” The Tuffnell family remains appreciative that they survived the incident, even as they grapple with the ramifications of their encounter with the moose.

As communities continue to grow closer to wildlife habitats, experiences like that of the Tuffnell family serve as a reminder of the need for vigilant coexistence with nature and respect for the wild creatures that inhabit nearby areas. The incident underscores the importance of education regarding wildlife encounters to prevent future tragedies and ensure both human and animal safety.