Moose Calf Saved
Maine Couple Helps Moose Calf Escape from Chasing Bear During Fishing Trip
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A Maine couple on a fishing trip witnessed a dramatic wildlife chase — and stepped in to save a moose calf's life. Todd and Elvia Malcolm were heading out for a day of fishing in Telos Township, Maine, when they spotted a large black bear hot on the heels of a female moose calf, according to WBAL.
Todd acted fast. He drove his truck between the bear and the calf, cutting off the chase. The barrier worked — the bear backed off, and the calf escaped. The Malcolms then continued on to their fishing spot, where they caught brook trout, Boston 25 News reported.
Todd Drives His Truck Into the Chase
The encounter happened fast. The Malcolms spotted the moose calf sprinting with the black bear right behind it, News4Jax reported. There was no time to think. Todd steered the truck directly into the path of the bear. He placed the vehicle between the predator and the calf, creating a physical wall.
The move worked. The bear stopped its pursuit. The calf got away safely. It is not clear how old the calf was, but moose calves are highly vulnerable in their first weeks of life and are common targets for black bears in Maine, KTVB noted.
Bears Hunting Moose Calves Is Common in Maine
Black bears are one of the top predators of moose calves in the northeastern United States. In Maine, bear predation is a known threat during calving season, which typically runs from late May into June. Calves are small, slow, and easy targets in their first few weeks of life.
Maine has one of the largest moose populations in the lower 48 states, with an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 moose. It also has a large black bear population of roughly 35,000 animals, Click Orlando reported. The two species regularly share the same remote wilderness areas.
A Fishing Trip Turned Unforgettable Wildlife Rescue
The Malcolms were not looking for adventure. They were on a simple fishing trip to the Telos Township area, a remote part of northern Maine known for its lakes and brook trout, Local 10 reported. The wildlife encounter was entirely unexpected.
After the bear backed off, the couple kept going. They reached their fishing spot and caught brook trout, wrapping up the day as planned. The story quickly spread online, with many people praising Todd's quick thinking, Yahoo News reported.
Wildlife Experts Warn Against Interfering With Nature
While the Malcolms' actions saved the calf, wildlife experts generally caution against interfering with natural predator-prey behavior. Getting between a wild bear and its prey can be extremely dangerous. Black bears can run up to 35 miles per hour and can weigh over 400 pounds.
Using a vehicle as a barrier, as Todd did, is far safer than confronting a bear on foot. Still, authorities typically advise people to keep their distance from wildlife. The Malcolms were lucky — the bear chose to retreat rather than stand its ground, WBOC noted.
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