This year’s Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race took an unexpected turn for musher Dallas Seavey and his team when they encountered an angry moose. The moose critically injured one of Seavey’s dogs, Faloo, prompting him to make the tough decision to shoot the moose for the safety of his dogs.

Following race rules, Seavey had to gut the moose before continuing, and he reported the incident at the next stop. Efforts are being made to salvage the moose meat with the help of snowmobile-aided support in the area, according to Iditarod race Marshal Warren Palfrey.

The injured dog, Faloo, was flown to Anchorage and received treatment at the Anchorage Vet Clinic. The latest update from Seavey’s team indicates that Faloo is alive but remains in critical condition after undergoing surgery. The team appreciates the support and promises to provide further updates.

Despite the moose incident causing a delay, Seavey currently holds the first position in the race standings. The unexpected encounter with the wild moose adds a dramatic twist to this year’s Iditarod, and the hope is for Faloo’s swift recovery.