Ailing Adirondack Moose Euthanized After Months of Struggle

In May 2025, a sickly bull moose was spotted near the summit of Goodman Mountain in New York's Adirondack region, prompting the temporary closure of a popular hiking trail. The moose had been a fixture in the area for several months, but its deteriorating health condition gave conservation officials serious concerns.

After assessing the risks the moose posed to the public, environmental officials attempted to shoo the animal away, but their efforts were unsuccessful. As a result, the mile-and-a-half-long trail was closed for two months to protect both the moose and hikers.

In early July 2025, a team of wildlife biologists and a state veterinarian visited the area and observed "advanced signs of disease, including severe emaciation" in the moose. Jacqueline Lendrum, the director of the state's fish and wildlife division, stated that the moose's "deteriorating condition" had given it "a low likelihood of survival."

Faced with the moose's poor health and the potential risks it posed, the conservation officials made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize the animal on July 25, 2025. A necropsy will be performed to determine the cause of the moose's illness and provide insights into threats to moose health in New York.

The Goodman Mountain trail will remain closed for the time being as conservation staff study the area and the moose's habitat. Once their work is complete, the trail will be reopened to the public.