Celebrity Moose That was Pardoned by Governor dies

Pete the Moose, who developed a cult following with a Facebook page and a rally at the Vermont Statehouse after biologists threatened to kill him to prevent the spread of disease, has died.

Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Patrick Berry said Friday that Pete was tranquilized for hoof treatment at the captive elk farm where he was living and didn't wake up.

Pete's case helped prompt the Legislature to pass new wildlife laws two years in a row. He received a gubernatorial pardon sparing his life last winter from Gov. Peter Shumlin.

The turnabout came after the 700-pound(317-kilogram) moose's tale of woe went viral, prompting a "Save Pete the Moose" website, a Facebook page and about 10,000 YouTube views.

Shumlin said Friday that he was saddened by Pete's death.