ESAM

The Équipe de Secours Animalier en Montagne (ESAM – Mountain Animal Rescue Team) has been rescuing animals in danger in both mid and high mountain environments since 2019. Rope access technicians, mountaineers, veterinary surgeons, climbers, hikers, police officers, military personnel and firefighters all pool their skills to save animals in distress.

This association is made up of 26 volunteer rescuers. They primarily assist domestic animals, but they also help wildlife when necessary. They carry out a wide range of rescue missions: trapped dogs or herds, injured animals on hiking trails, herds stranded by winter or cows lost in the mountains.

To ensure they can handle any situation, the association uses several methods:

• • Ropes and ziplines to create secure routes for animals. Rescuers use natural anchor points wherever possible, but they may also set up artificial ones.
  • Drones to familiarise the team with locations before a mission, search for a lost animal, or even guide a herd.
  • Tranquilliser dart guns for use when the animal cannot be approached (such as a frightened dog or a feral cow)
  • Nets for safely capturing cattle.
  • A helicopter, essential for accessing certain areas. This is used for airlifting animals, or for winching rescuers up and down.

All members of this association wear Super Rando boots, a reliable model that’s perfect for their rescue operations off the beaten track.

To find out more about this association, visit www.esam-secours.fr.