A rescue operation unfolded at a lock on the Rideau River after a moose became trapped and could not get out on its own, according to Ontario Provincial Police.
Crews lowered the water lock by lock to guide the animal back to safety, CityNews Ottawa reported.
Here's what to know
Police said the moose was spotted Sept. 24 when a Merrickville resident — walking near the lock station by the river — saw it stuck at the top of the locks.
Several agencies then coordinated a rescue to get the animal out safely.
Parks Canada, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Merrickville Fire Department, bylaw services, and others took part in the effort.
As CityNews Ottawa reported, crews drained the locks to steer the moose out.
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The animal was ultimately rescued and returned to its habitat.
What's being done?
Provincial police also singled out the community.
"A special thank you to the residents of Merrickville for their support, cooperation, and encouragement throughout the rescue," it said in a statement, per CityNews Ottawa. "Your concern for the animal and willingness to assist helped make this successful outcome possible."
Moose on the Move! A stranded moose is safely back on solid ground thanks to a coordinated effort by #OPPSAVE, #GrenvilleOPP, @ONresources, @ParksCanada, @MerrickvilleFD and Municipal Bylaw Services. On the morning of September 24, 2026, concerned community members reported a moose trapped at the top of the Merrickville Locks. Working together, responders developed a calm and controlled plan to safely guide the animal to freedom by gradually draining the lock system one step at a time. Thanks to teamwork, patience, and the quick actions of everyone involved, the moose safely made its way out of the locks and back into its natural habitat. A special thank you to the residents of Merrickville for their support, cooperation and encouragement throughout the rescue. Your concern for the animal and willingness to assist helped make this successful outcome possible. A great example of community members and partner agencies working together to protect Ontario's wildlife. ~ Un orignal en liberté! Un orignal qui s'était retrouvé coincé a pu regagner la terre ferme en toute sécurité grâce à une intervention coordonnée de la Police provinciale de l'Ontario, du ministère des Ressources naturelles, de Parcs Canada, du service d'incendie de Merrickville et des services municipaux chargés de l'application des règlements. Le matin du 24 septembre 2026, des membres de la collectivité inquiets ont signalé la présence d'un orignal coincé au sommet des écluses de Merrickville. En collaborant, les intervenants ont mis au point un plan calme et maîtrisé pour guider l'animal vers la liberté en vidant progressivement le système d'écluses, une étape à la fois. Grâce au travail d'équipe, à la patience et à la rapidité d'intervention de toutes les personnes impliquées, l'orignal a pu sortir sans encombre des écluses et regagner son habitat naturel. Nous tenons à remercier tout particulièrement les résidents de Merrickville pour leur soutien, leur coopération et leurs encouragements tout au long de l'opération de sauvetage. Votre préoccupation pour l'animal et votre volonté de venir en aide ont contribué à cette issue heureuse. Il s'agit là d'un excellent exemple de collaboration entre les membres de la collectivité et les organismes partenaires pour protéger la faune de l'Ontario. #GrenvilleOPP
— OPP East Region (@OPP_ER) September 24, 2026
Where can I learn more?
These articles follow other rescues involving moose trapped in dangerous, human-made spaces. They include efforts in Canada and the United States involving a pool, highway, yard, and well.
• In Canada, a family witnessed a 15-hour rescue after a moose ended up in their pool.
• In Newfoundland, a farmer found a moose on a divider and flipped it back to safety.
• In Maine, rescuers freed a young moose trapped overnight between a tree and garage.
•Wildlife experts sedated a moose trapped in a well so they could lift it out.
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