Moose family, who was bothered by the heatwave in 2015, playing in the sprinkler. Candice Helm of Alaska saw them strolling around her house looking really bothered by the weather, and so she turned on the sprinklers, and they were happy.
Title: Alaska Heatwave Relief: Moose Family Finds Joy in Sprinkler During Scorching 2015 Summer
Meta Description: Discover the heartwarming story of an Alaska moose family cooling off in a sprinkler during the 2015 heatwave, thanks to Wasilla resident Candice Helm. Learn how wildlife copes with extreme weather.
URL Slug: alaska-moose-family-sprinkler-heatwave-2015
When Moose Meet Sprinklers: A Wild Solution to Alaska’s 2015 Heatwave
In the summer of 2015, Alaska faced an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures soaring into the 80s°F (27°C+)—far above the state’s typical cool summers. While humans flocked to lakes and fans for relief, one resourceful moose family found an unexpected oasis: a backyard sprinkler. The unforgettable moment, captured by Wasilla resident Candice Helm, became a viral symbol of resilience and human-wildlife harmony.
The Heatwave That Tested Alaska’s Wildlife
The summer of 2015 shattered records across Alaska, baking communities accustomed to mild temperatures. For wildlife like moose, the heat posed serious risks. These massive animals, built for subzero winters, lack efficient cooling mechanisms. Overheating can lead to dehydration, exhaustion, and even death—especially for calves.
As temperatures climbed, Alaskans reported seeing moose lingering near ponds, ditches, and shaded forests to escape the sun. One family, however, took their quest for relief straight to Candice Helm’s doorstep.
A Rescue Beneath the Sprinkler: Candice Helm’s Kind Gesture
Candice Helm, a long-time resident of Wasilla, spotted a distressed moose cow and her two calves wandering near her property in late June 2015. “They looked miserable—panting, sluggish, and just done with the heat,” Helm later shared with local media. Realizing the animals needed help, she turned on her lawn sprinklers.
The reaction was instant and joyful. The calf sprinted toward the water, frolicking beneath the spray while the mother watched cautiously nearby. Photos and videos of the scene spread rapidly online, warming hearts worldwide.
“I turned on the sprinkler for my garden, but it turned into a lifesaver for them,” Helm said. “Seeing them play—it was pure magic.”
Why Moose Struggle with Extreme Heat
Moose (Alces alces) are biologically adapted to cold climates:
- Thick Insulation: Their dense fur traps heat, making summer survival challenging.
- Limited Sweat Glands: Moose cool mainly by resting in water or shade.
- High-Calorie Diet: Heat reduces their appetite, stressing their energy reserves.
During heatwaves, moose may:
- Seek water sources (lakes, rivers, or sprinklers!).
- Become more active at night.
- Venture into human areas for relief—sometimes dangerously.
Broader Impacts: Climate Change and Alaska’s Ecosystem
The 2015 event was a microcosm of Alaska’s climate challenges. Rising temperatures have increased the frequency of heatwaves, wildfires, and insect outbreaks—threatening moose populations and their habitat. Biologists warn that such extremes could:
- Reduce calf survival rates.
- Accelerate tick infestations (parasites thrive in warmer winters).
- Fragment food sources like willow and birch.
How to Help Wildlife During Extreme Heat
While Helm’s sprinkler moment was spontaneous, experts emphasize caution when aiding wildlife:
- Provide water safely: Use shallow containers away from homes.
- Avoid feeding: Human food harms moose digestion.
- Keep your distance: Moose are unpredictable, especially with calves.
Helm’s story remains a rare, positive example of human-wildlife coexistence. As she noted, “They didn’t need much—just a little kindness and water.”
Final Thought:
The image of a moose calf dancing under a sprinkler is more than just adorable—it’s a reminder of nature’s vulnerability to climate shifts. As Alaska faces hotter summers, stories like Candice Helm’s inspire us to balance empathy with respect for the wild.
#WildlifeRescue #ClimateChange #AlaskaMoose #HeatwaveHeroes
Images/videos of this event circulated widely in 2015—search “Alaska moose sprinkler heatwave” to see the moment!
