In Bienfait, Sask., Angie Tuffnell faced bone-chilling temperatures with a wind chill of -40 as she stepped outside. What started as an ordinary day took a terrifying turn when a malnourished moose was found seeking warmth near her house, leading to a violent encounter.
Shawn Tuffnell, Angie’s son, rushed to her aid upon hearing her cries, only to be faced with a moose looming over her. In a bold move, Shawn confronted the aggressive animal by punching it in the face, causing a split lip but failing to deter the moose.
A tense struggle ensued as Shawn wielded a shovel, striking the moose multiple times in an attempt to protect his mother. Despite his efforts, the moose persisted, forcing Shawn to grapple with it inside the house. He resorted to wrestling the moose into submission, using sheer determination to shield his mother from harm.
The harrowing ordeal ended when Shawn, aided by his mother’s boyfriend, used a .22-calibre rifle to finally subdue the moose after a series of shots. An examination later confirmed that the moose succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, including a fatal shot to the head.
The autopsy revealed the moose’s dire condition, lacking essential fat reserves and driven by desperation for food and warmth. Ryan Brook, a moose expert, explained that such behavior is not uncommon in extreme cold, where moose seek shelter in any available heat source.
The incident highlights the encroachment of wildlife into human habitats, with moose populations expanding into Saskatchewan’s farmlands over the years. Despite the physical and emotional toll on the Tuffnell family, they are grateful to have survived the ordeal, albeit with injuries. Shawn, reflecting on the necessity of the moose’s demise, expressed mixed emotions but acknowledged the gravity of the situation.