Mules are being used to carry supplies into western North Carolina

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The animals are being used to carry water, diapers and other much-needed essentials into communities isolated after Helene

WEAVERVILLE, N.C. — After Helene isolated western North Carolina communities with landslides, flash flooding and road damage, good Samaritans have had to find creative ways to bring in much-needed supplies.

In addition to aircraft drops by military and civilian pilots, mule packers are using the animals to walk supplies into mountainous communities. 

“Mules and equipment are loaded, and the first big batch of supplies has been purchased and loaded,” the Mountain Mule Packer Ranch posted on Facebook Monday. “We have two fully loaded trucks and 20′ stock trailers heading to WNC for assistance!”

Later Monday, the ranchers posted pictures of the animals and supply cargo to social media.

Busy morning as we loaded lots of equipment, supplies, and MULES, to leave for WNC! Please know that we appreciate EVERY…

Posted by Mountain Mule Packer Ranch on Monday, September 30, 2024

“We will be setting up a staging area and beginning to assist this afternoon,” they wrote on Monday, “and will be bringing up additional loads of supplies once mules are in place!”

The Mountain Mule Packer Ranch partnered with the Cajun Navy, another group of civilian volunteers, to deliver insulin to a family on Monday, according to their Facebook posts.

One of the first families helped yesterday were in desperate need of insulin, and Mountain Mule Packers was able to get it up this otherwise impassable road!! Thanks for sharing Cajun Navy 2016!

Posted by Mountain Mule Packer Ranch on Tuesday, October 1, 2024

The ranchers have setup their staging area in Montreat on Tuesday. They were planning to make trips into Black Mountain. 

Mountain Mule Packer Ranch is based out of Mount Ulla, which is located between Lake Norman and Salisbury in North Carolina. They have been using their Facebook page to announce when they will be at the Food Lion, located at 11745 Statesville Blvd. in Cleveland, NC, to collect donations.

8:30am update 10/1/24 Mike and the mule team made it to their staging area in Montreat yesterday and have already been…

Posted by Mountain Mule Packer Ranch on Tuesday, October 1, 2024

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