Rescue Elk from the icy waters of Bow River in Banff Achi-News

The dramatic rescue of a moose from the icy waters of the Bow River in Banff earlier this week was caught on video and drew quite the crowd.

On Wednesday, Parks Canada team members were called to an area of ​​the river near the pedestrian bridge, after a moose fell into the water.

The rescue was captured on video and posted on X by the user @FernieMariam.

The series of videos show the animal struggling in its efforts to get out of the water.

Parks Canada staff members are then seen carefully walking out onto the ice surface, using a tow strap to try and pull the moose to safety. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts, the rescuers retreat back to shore.

Then they come back, using a chainsaw to cut through the ice before using their body weight to break through. This makes it a little easier for the moose to pull itself out of the water.

The rescuers then use the strap to scoot the animal closer to shore, before it trots to safety as applause breaks out from the onlookers.

“The safety of staff and wildlife is a priority and Parks Canada is pleased that this incident had a positive outcome,” Parks Canada said in a statement Thursday.

The rescue efforts attracted the crowd along the Bow’s bank and along the pedestrian bridge.

Elk and other animals often fall through the ice on the Bow River in the spring and fall, according to Parks Canada.

“This is a natural occurrence,” the federal agency said. “If you see a distressed animal on thin ice, never try to save the animal or intervene in any way.”

Anyone who sees an animal in distress is asked to call Banff dispatch immediately at 403-762-1470.