This dog found an abandoned baby moose in his yard and now they are best friends
What do you do when you find an abandoned baby moose? It’s not a question most people ask themselves, but it’s a situation that one Wallagrass, Maine, resident found herself in recently. Early in the morning, Shannon Lugdon found a little moose — whom she named Miss Maggie Moose — calling for her mom in Lugdon’s wooded backyard.
“Miss Maggie Moose was heard calling for her Momma around 5am Saturday. Around 1pm, we intervened to keep her from wandering into route 11. Two phenomenal wardens – Adrian and Nick – came over and we helped Miss Maggie back down to the brook in the shade,” she explained in a Facebook post. “She spent the day wandering around by the brook and returning to the spot we think her Momma had left her.”
“The wardens asked us not to go near her for 24 hours, wild animals often leave their babies to eat, drink and rest,” Lugdon explained. “‘Abandoned’ moose are rarely actually abandoned.”
The next morning, she went to check on the moose, but couldn’t spot it. But shortly after letting her dog, Leo, out to do his business, there Miss Maggie was. Leo had become “fast friends” with the moose! After Lugdon fed Miss Maggie a “grass, clover, water milkshake,” Miss Maggie proceeded to stay by her side all day. How adorable!
“She followed us around all day begging for attention. You can’t imagine how affectionate she was,” said Lugdon.
While it’s tough to believe a wild animal lost in the woods would be friendly, Lugdon posted plenty of evidence of Miss Maggie’s cuddling abilities. In the photos, you can see all the members of Lugdon’s family, including Leo, snuggling and petting the moose.
Though it seems that this baby moose was abandoned by her mom, there’s a happy ending to this story! After spending some quality time with the Lugdon family, Miss Maggie was picked up by a biologist who ultimately delivered her to Maine Wildlife Park.
“She was 27lbs and they estimate 6 days old,” Ludgon said. “Abby took wonderful care of her and we are, as always, grateful for our amazing wardens!”