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Moose that locked through Sault Ste. Marie Canal dies

Wildlife officials in Canada say a moose that swam the recreational canal of the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site this week has died.

  

When a moose swam into the canal Tuesday morning, workers locked it through like a boat. They say they wanted to help it along so it didn’t become exhausted.

The Canadian Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says the moose was later found dead in the St. Marys river. Officials say they believe the animal died of Capture Myopathy. That occurs when overexertion or extreme stress causes physiological imbalances that result in severe muscle damage and even death.

The locks are located on the St. Mary’s River between Soo, Ontario and Soo, Michigan. Officials say it’s not uncommon for moose to swim across the St. Mary’s River between the two countries.