In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and the torrential rains that followed, a group of unexpected helpers is reaching stranded areas that no vehicle can access—to deliver aid to residents of North Carolina.
“They call them beasts of burden, we call them our beloved mules,” Mountain Mule Packer Ranch wrote in a Facebook post. “They are capable and willing to work in many conditions most won’t.”
Led by Mike Toberer, the Mountain Mule Packer Ranch has been delivering food, water, and medicine to those in need in the mountainous areas of Western North Carolina.
Screenshot of mules helping deliver aid to residents in North Carolina. Courtesy of Cajun Navy 2016 via AP
Amidst other much-needed essential deliveries, on Oct. 1, they joined hands with Cajun Navy 2016, a Louisiana-based organization, to help a family in desperate need of ice for storing insulin.
Since these four-legged helpers began delivering much-needed essentials, an outpouring of support has followed. Five 11’s, a livestock hauling company, offered to help transport the mules so that they could deliver more supplies. Meanwhile, Tractor Supply provided a stock trailer stacked with livestock feed, dog and cat food, and human supplies.
Additionally, many locals have donated goods and rented equipment to help the Mountain Mule Packers build a trail for the mules, so they can deliver water and supplies to a community in Laurel Ridge.
Destruction near Mill Creek, toward downtown, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Sept. 30, 2024, in Old Fort, N.C. Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images
“It was so moving and beautiful to see people lined up bringing bag after bag, box after box, and case after case for the cause,” the team wrote on Facebook. “We all had tears in our eyes and lumps in our throats as we joined together for a common cause.”
The remnants of Hurricane Helene brought severe destruction in hard-to-reach mountainous areas. Hundreds of roads remain impassable for vehicles—but not for the mules.
For this reason, the ranch emphasizes how, contrary to popular belief, mules are not stubborn animals but wise ones.
Destroyed houses and buildings along the Broad River in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Oct. 1, 2024, in Bat Cave, N.C. Sean Rayford/Getty Images
“They have had many roles in their careers, from hauling camping gear and fresh hunt, pulling wagons and farm equipment; to serving in training the best of the very best of our military special forces, carrying weapons, medical supplies, and even wounded soldiers,” they wrote.
With over 30 years of experience, Mountain Mule Packers Ranch—based out of Mount Ulla, North Carolina—specializes in high altitude, crew-served weapons, and extreme terrain pack animal supply trains, according to their website. Now all the training and experience are proving to be helpful in this devastating situation.
The ranch is blessed and grateful to each of the mules–Jeb, Amigo, Apache, Max, Kev, Lil Wayne, Buzzkill, and Smokie–who are joined by Vader, a horse.
Although the last few days have been very long for the mules and the people working to distribute the needed supplies, their spirits remain high.
“The devastation in the mountains has broken all of our hearts, but we are thankful that even in this sadness, we see God working through so many wonderful people,” Mountain Mule Packers wrote.
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