New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) forest rangers and Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) rescued a moose that had fallen through the ice on Lake Abanakee in Hamilton County, New York, on January 16.Footage showing parts of the lengthy rescue mission was released by the DEC on January 21.According to a DEC press release, a bystander reported seeing the moose fall through the ice and struggle to get out of the water. In response, forest rangers ventured onto the ice, using a chainsaw to cut a channel while another officer cleared ice blocks, creating a pathway for the moose to escape.Once the pathway was open, officers guided the moose to shore. It reportedly took several attempts for the hypothermic animal to stand and regain its strength before it eventually walked off into the woods.Drew Cavanagh, Acting Director of DEC’s Division of Forest Protection, praised the rescue team, stating, “I applaud our Forest Rangers and ECOs on their coordinated and heroic efforts to rescue an animal that was clearly in distress. It’s a testament to the professionalism, resilience, and dedication of these two police forces to New York’s natural resources and wildlife.”According to the DEC, the moose was later identified as a bull moose that had dropped its antlers. It was reportedly in the frigid waters for approximately two hours. Credit: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation via Storyful