Introduction

In a remarkable display of resilience and compassion, the Mountain Mule Packer Ranch, renowned for delivering critical supplies to isolated communities in Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene in September 2024, has now mobilized to assist victims of the devastating Central Texas flash floods. On July 7, 2025, X user @matt_vanswol announced that the “Mountain Mules” have arrived in Texas to support ongoing rescue and relief efforts in Kerr County, where floods have claimed at least 78 lives and left 10 girls and one counselor missing from Camp Mystic. Partnering with the Cajun Navy, these mules are navigating treacherous terrain to deliver essential supplies, continuing their legacy of hope in the face of disaster. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Mountain Mules’ efforts in Texas, their heroic history, and the broader context of the 2025 Texas floods.

Mountain Mules: Heroes of Hurricane Helene

A Legacy of Service

The Mountain Mule Packer Ranch, based in Raeford, North Carolina, gained national attention in September 2024 when Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, unleashed catastrophic flooding and landslides across Western North Carolina. With roads washed out and entire communities cut off, the ranch’s mules—capable of carrying up to 200 pounds each—became lifelines for isolated Appalachian towns like Weaverville, Black Mountain, and Swannanoa. Led by owners Mike and Michele Toberer, the mules delivered food, water, diapers, insulin, and other essentials to areas inaccessible by vehicles, earning praise as “unsung heroes” from outlets like CNN and the Associated Press.

One notable delivery included ice for an elderly man’s insulin at the top of Appalachian Way, captured in a viral video by the Cajun Navy 2016, a civilian volunteer group. The mules’ efforts brought not only supplies but also hope, with Michele Toberer noting, “They brought more than just supplies to people. It’s that they were bringing hope to people, because so many people felt like they were forgotten.” In November 2024, the ranch established Mission Mules, a Christian nonprofit, to continue disaster relief, focusing on mule training for civilian and military groups.

Tragically, three mules—Vader, Kev, and Amigo—were killed in February 2025 when a tree damaged their pasture’s fence, allowing them to wander onto a road where they were struck by a semitruck. The loss devastated the Toberers and their community, but the ranch vowed to press on, stating, “Their work ethic and what they’ve done with the people in western North Carolina taught us that when something unimaginable happens, we still keep going.”

The Texas Flash Floods: A New Crisis

Catastrophic Flooding in Central Texas

On July 3-4, 2025, Central Texas was hit by flash floods that dumped up to 15 inches of rain in hours, causing the Guadalupe River to surge 26 feet in 45 minutes. Kerr County, northwest of San Antonio, reported 68 deaths, including 28 children, while Travis, Burnet, Kendall, and Tom Green counties added to a statewide toll of at least 78. Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ summer camp in Hunt, Texas, was devastated, with 10 campers and one counselor still missing as of July 7. The floods destroyed homes, roads, and infrastructure, leaving communities in chaos.

Rescue operations, involving over 1,700 responders, 14 helicopters, and 12 drones, have saved more than 850 lives, with U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Scott Ruskan notably rescuing 165 people. Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency, and President Donald Trump signed a disaster declaration for Kerr County, mobilizing FEMA resources. However, additional rainfall forecasts of 2-4 inches through July 7 threaten further flooding, complicating recovery efforts.

Mountain Mules Arrive in Texas

On July 7, 2025, X user @matt_vanswol, a former nuclear scientist, broke the news: “The Mountain Mules, who became famous for carrying supplies through the treacherous mountain passes of Western North Carolina to Hurricane Helene survivors… HAVE ARRIVED IN TEXAS AND ARE ASSISTING ON THE GROUND!!!! GOD BLESS THE MOUNTAIN MULES!!!!!” The post included a video, likely showcasing the mules’ efforts, though specific details of their arrival were not provided in the announcement.

Another X user, @vic13833, reported that the Mountain Mule Packer Ranch has partnered with the Cajun Navy to conduct rescue and relief efforts in Kerrville, the epicenter of the Texas floods. The mules are likely delivering critical supplies—such as food, water, medical supplies, and hygiene products—to areas where roads remain impassable due to flood damage and debris. Given their experience in North Carolina, the mules are uniquely suited to navigate the rugged, flood-ravaged terrain of the Texas Hill Country, where washed-out bridges and mudslides have isolated communities.

The Role of Mission Mules in Disaster Relief

Adapting to Texas’ Needs

The Mountain Mule Packer Ranch’s expertise in delivering supplies to remote areas makes them a vital asset in Texas. In North Carolina, their mules traversed narrow, debris-strewn paths to reach stranded residents, carrying essentials like insulin and dog food. In Texas, similar challenges exist, with Kerr County’s infrastructure heavily damaged and areas like Camp Mystic cut off. The mules’ ability to carry 200 pounds of supplies each allows them to deliver significant aid, potentially including blankets, clothing, and medical resources, as they did post-Helene.

The partnership with the Cajun Navy, a group known for its rapid response in disasters like Hurricane Katrina, enhances the mules’ effectiveness. In North Carolina, the Cajun Navy documented the mules’ deliveries, such as the insulin drop-off, amplifying their impact through social media. In Texas, this collaboration likely involves coordinating logistics, identifying high-need areas, and ensuring supplies reach survivors efficiently.

Community Impact and Hope

The Toberers have emphasized the emotional impact of their mules’ work. In North Carolina, residents like Mr. Neal smiled upon seeing the mules arrive, a moment of hope amid despair. In Texas, where families are grappling with loss and uncertainty, the mules’ presence is likely to provide similar encouragement. Michele Toberer’s words resonate: “Just the fact that these mules were coming brought a smile to their face.” As the search for missing campers continues and communities begin rebuilding, the mules’ efforts symbolize resilience and solidarity.

Challenges and Context

Ongoing Flood Risks

The Texas floods pose unique challenges, with the NWS warning of additional rainfall that could exacerbate flooding. The Guadalupe River’s history of rapid surges, as seen in a 1987 flood, underscores the region’s vulnerability. The mules’ ability to operate in areas where vehicles and even helicopters struggle is critical, but their work is not without risk. Flooded paths, debris, and unstable terrain could endanger the animals and their handlers, as seen in the tragic loss of Vader, Kev, and Amigo in February 2025.

Criticism of Federal Response

The Texas floods, like Hurricane Helene, have sparked criticism of federal and state preparedness. In North Carolina, locals like Newland Mayor Derek Roberts criticized FEMA for inadequate aid, with some residents receiving minimal support. In Texas, the NWS has faced scrutiny for delayed warnings, with some attributing staffing shortages to budget cuts under the Trump administration’s DOGE initiative. Despite these challenges, grassroots efforts like those of the Mountain Mules and Cajun Navy highlight the power of community-driven relief.

How to Support the Mountain Mules

The Mountain Mule Packer Ranch relies on donations to sustain its efforts. In North Carolina, they partnered with groups like Five 11’s Livestock Hauling to transport mules and supplies. For those wishing to support their work in Texas, donations can be made through the ranch’s Facebook page or Mission Mules’ website, where updates on their activities are posted. The Cajun Navy also accepts contributions to fund relief efforts, as noted in their social media updates.

Conclusion

The Mountain Mule Packer Ranch’s arrival in Texas marks a continuation of their heroic legacy, forged in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. By navigating treacherous terrain to deliver life-saving supplies, these mules and their handlers are bringing hope to Central Texas communities devastated by the 2025 flash floods. Their partnership with the Cajun Navy and their unwavering commitment to service underscore the power of innovative, grassroots solutions in times of crisis. As Texas mourns its losses and searches for the missing, the Mountain Mules stand as a symbol of resilience, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, hope can arrive on steady hooves. For updates on the Texas floods or to support relief efforts, visit clickusanews.com or contact the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office at 830-258-1111.