Truck Driver Saves Moose Stuck on Ice in Daring Rescue — See the Viral Photos

A Canadian tow truck driver has recently garnered attention online after undertaking a remarkable rescue of a moose trapped in ice in Saskatchewan. Clint Gottinger, the owner of Rebel Towing, documented the incident on social media, which quickly gained viral status.

The episode unfolded on April 26 when Gottinger, while on his way to attend two towing assignments, noticed the distressed animal. Located not far from his residence in Kelvington, the moose appeared to be struggling, caught in approximately four feet of water and ice. Gottinger immediately felt compelled to act. “He looked tired and defeated and I thought to myself, I cannot see the poor guy suffer and leave him there,” he explained in an interview.

With the intention of offering assistance, Gottinger reversed his truck as close to the ice as possible. He employed a soft sling to gently secure the moose’s head, allowing the exhausted creature to remain calm during the rescue process. He was not alone in his efforts; he received help from a neighbour, who supported him as he pulled the moose from its icy predicament.

Once safely on the back of the tow truck, the young moose appeared cold and fatigued. Realising he needed immediate care, Gottinger contacted his wife to bring blankets—an unusual request that understandably confused her. When she arrived, she found her husband with an unexpected passenger on the truck. Together, they wrapped the moose in warm blankets, allowing it some much-needed rest.

The couple monitored the moose throughout the evening, offering it a quiet space to recover. According to Gottinger, the moose spent the following day on their property, occasionally standing and moving about before settling down again. He affectionately nicknamed the moose “Rebel,” a nod to the name of his towing company, and noted how, after resting, the animal even responded to gentle head scratches.

After a full day of recuperation, the moose seemed ready to return to the wild. On April 28, with renewed energy, it made its way back into the surrounding woods. Gottinger shared this heartwarming conclusion to the story on social media, delighting his followers with updates and images of Rebel.

As time passed, Gottinger was pleased to share more good news. On May 8, he spotted the young moose frolicking in the snow with its mother, confirming that it had fully recovered from the frightful experience. “I just saw this 15 minutes ago about two kilometres from that spot,” he wrote in a post, adding a humorous touch about the moose “acting like he owed me money.”

This extraordinary rescue not only highlighted the kindness of the community but also sparked a wave of positive responses online. Many social media users praised Gottinger for his compassion and quick thinking, with comments such as, “That’s more of what we need in the world. Well done,” resonating widely.

The story serves as a reminder of the connection humans can have with nature, and it underscores the importance of kindness towards all living beings. Amid the daily grind of towing vehicles, Gottinger’s unexpected encounter with the moose transformed an ordinary day into an extraordinary tale of compassion and care.

Clint Gottinger’s efforts underline the valuable role individuals can play in responding to distress signals from wildlife. His actions not only saved a life but also brought a sense of community together, inspiring others to lend a helping hand whenever possible.