Moose Found Stuck in Ice on Aroostook River

Warden warns against attempting to rescue wild animals in dangerous conditions

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A young moose has drowned after falling through the ice on the Aroostook River in Presque Isle, Maine. The Maine Warden Service was alerted to the incident around 1:30 pm on Monday, with the moose partly visible near the Route 1 bridge. Authorities warned the public not to attempt a rescue, as the ice was thin and the water was moving quickly, creating a very dangerous situation.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers wild animals can face during the thawing of rivers and melting of snow, which can lead to animals falling through fragile ice or even starving if food is scarce. While such incidents often happen in remote areas, this one was visible to the public, raising awareness about the importance of not interfering with wildlife in perilous situations.

The details

According to Warden Alan Dudley, the young moose had likely wandered out onto the river and fallen through the ice. Dudley believes the moose was young based on tracks found at a nearby ATV park, as an older, healthier moose would not have shown itself so close to human activity. This is the fourth moose Dudley has found so far this year that has died due to such incidents.

  • Around 1:30 pm on Monday, Warden Dudley started receiving reports about the moose stuck in the ice.
  • The moose was found near the Route 1 bridge, looking toward the Reach Road.

The players

Alan Dudley

A Maine Warden Service officer who responded to the incident and provided details about the young moose that drowned after falling through the ice on the Aroostook River.

Presque Isle Police Department

The local police department that warned the public to stay away from the area and not attempt to rescue the moose, as the ice was thin and the water was moving quickly, creating a very dangerous situation.

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What they’re saying

“This was just a young moose that had walked out on the river and fell through the ice, and in the end it succumbed. Believe it or not, this is not uncommon. The only uncommon thing about this was that it was in public view.”

— Alan Dudley, Maine Warden Service Officer

“Please do not go out onto the ice or attempt to reach the moose in the water. The ice is very thin and the water is moving quickly, creating a very dangerous situation.”

— Presque Isle Police Department

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder that wild animals should not be interfered with, even when they appear to be in distress, as attempting a rescue can put human lives at risk. The Maine Warden Service advises the public to avoid approaching or trying to help wild animals that may be stranded, as the situation is often more dangerous than it appears.