A Maple Lake couple is recuperating after an unbelievable run in with a 900-pound bull moose last week.
Multiple Twin Cities media outlets shared the story of Don and Terry O’Connor, a Maple Lake couple that was returning from an evening in Buffalo Monday, Sept. 29 when the moose, with full rack, “popped out” of the weeds near the Maple Lake boat access and onto Minnesota Highway 55.
The moose went up, over the hood of the O’Connor’s Chrysler Sebring convertible, then over the top of the car and off the back.
Terry suffered a cut and concussion. Don, reports state, had multiple stitches on his head and hand.
Maple Lake Fire Chief Terry Borell told KSTP the couple was “very lucky” to have survived the accident.
As for the moose, he was a bit “out of his element.” While moose are common in the Minnesota Northwoods, including as nearby as Princeton and Milaca, this guy south and west of natural habitat. Minnesota DNR official Fred Bangsen said it’s uncommon for any moose to be seen in the metro area, but it does happen.
The DNR issued a permit for the meat from the moose to be processed and donated, which will be handled by local butchers.
Check out the full KSTP report: