Hoosier National Forest mules retire

Two of the Hoosier National Forest’s hardest-working employees, Ruth and Jack, are retiring after a combined 40 years of service. Ruth and Jack are mules, two of the team of four mules that assist Indiana’s Hoosier NF in maintaining trails in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness. Without the ability to use vehicles or power tools in wilderness areas, the team of mules are able to haul gravel, move logs, pull plows and graders, and make work in the Wilderness interesting and fun.

Wilderness Ranger Rod Fahl admits losing two of his co-workers is hard, “They’re a part of my team. They never complain and they’ve given me their best effort every day I’ve asked them to work.”

Fahl said both mules are nearing 30 years old. Ruth is a large half-Percheron mule who is beginning to have some health issues. “She is powerful enough to pull a plow through roots or rocks. She is amazingly strong but gentle and has a sweet disposition,” said Fahl. Ruth had served the longest on the mule team and is easily recognized by her size and dark color.

Jack who is the oldest mule on the team, is the alpha mule in the group and Rod said, “Jack’s versatile skills and experience will make him hard to replace. He’s just a solid worker who always seems to enjoy going to work every morning.”

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