BULLWINKLE Goes BALLISTIC? Mad Moose Blocks Hikers!

A massive bull moose has occupied a popular Adirondack hiking trail for over a week, forcing state officials to close the route and warning hikers to stay away from the immovable interloper.

At a Glance

• Trail on Goodman Mountain in New York closed after moose blocked path
• Moose has remained in place since early June with minimal movement
• State wildlife officers suspect possible illness or neurological issue
• Attempts to scare the animal off have failed repeatedly
• DEC monitoring situation; no timeline yet for trail reopening

Moose on the Mountain—And He’s Not Moving

Hikers in upstate New York were stunned when a trail on Goodman Mountain was abruptly closed—not because of weather or rockslides, but due to one very large, very stubborn moose. The bull moose, weighing over 900 pounds, appeared near the trail summit in early June and has refused to budge for days. Wildlife officers from the New York Department of Environmental Conservation say the animal is showing “persistent sedentary behavior” and has likely claimed the area as temporary territory.

Watch a report: Mysterious Bull Moose Blocks New York Mountain Trail · YouTube

While moose are known to roam parts of the Adirondacks, this one’s unusually still posture—remaining within a small radius day and night—has sparked concern. Officials believe a mild illness, neurological anomaly, or possibly a parasite could be causing disorientation. However, no outward signs of injury have been observed, and the animal has not shown aggression.

Safety First as Moose Holds Trail Hostage

Out of caution, the DEC has closed the Goodman Mountain trail indefinitely, posting warning signs and deploying officers to redirect visitors. Though the moose appears calm, experts caution that such large animals can become dangerous if surprised or crowded. Even a slow-moving moose can inflict serious injury if threatened.

Locals have taken a lighthearted view, nicknaming the creature “Mayor Moose” and joking that he’s now the official trail guardian. On social media, hikers have shared old photos from the summit, wistfully captioned with hopes for the trail’s reopening.

As of now, the moose shows no signs of relocating. Officials plan to continue non-invasive monitoring while awaiting a natural resolution. Until then, Goodman Mountain belongs to the moose.