Breaking: Moose are native to Colorado

Its official, moose are native to Colorado! Honestly, I didn’t know this was up for debate, but according to a study published in the Journal of Biogeography earlier this month, moose have lived in the southern Rocky Mountains for centuries, if not longer.

Below is a short introductory video on this research from the University of Colorado Boulder. You can also read a synopsis published by the university. It contains two key passages:

Since being translocated to Colorado, these charismatic megafauna have been a source of both fascination and concern. In Rocky Mountain National Park, where moose populations have thrived, ecosystems have been changing, and moose-associated impacts have sparked renewed conversations about managing an animal labeled “non-native.”

And:

That fact was on Taylor’s mind a few years ago when Rocky Mountain National Park officials began broadly publicizing moose management issues and the discussions that were happening about them. In many of those discussions, Taylor recalls, the messaging frequently labeled moose as “invasive,” “non-native” or “outsiders,” which doesn’t align with the archaeological record and “some of the basic facts I know from my role here working as curator,” he says.

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Moose injures hiker near Peaceful Valley

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding the public about the dangers of approaching moose after a woman was injured by a cow moose on Monday, July 29th.

Around 4:15 p.m., a 55-year old woman was hiking with her dogs off leash on the Middle St. Vrain Trail above Camp Dick near Peaceful Valley in Boulder County. She encountered a moose with two calves, which her dogs ran towards. When she moved toward the moose to gather her dogs, she was struck by the adult moose, knocked to the ground and kicked. The injured woman was taken to Longmont United Hospital and then later released.

"I've spoken with the victim in this unfortunate incident and we certainly hope she is feeling better soon," said Larry Rogstad, Area Wildlife Manager for Boulder. "It's important that all recreationists know there is always the potential to encounter moose, as well as bears, elk, and lions in the back country and along Front Range trails. Keeping dogs on a leash and keeping your distance from wildlife is essential for the health and safety of all involved."

Wildlife officers searched the area Monday night and Tuesday afternoon, but could not locate the moose.

Moose do not differentiate dogs from wolves - their natural predator - and will instinctively attempt to stomp them in self-defense. If the dog runs back to its owner for safety, it can bring an angry, thousand pound moose with it, putting people at risk as well.

Late spring is calving season and cow moose will aggressively protect their young through the summer. Wildlife officials advise that people watch all wildlife from a distance with binoculars or a spotting scope. In addition, people should keep their dogs on leashes at all times, especially in areas where moose are common. With their large size and their habit of standing quietly in wet meadows moose may appear to be calm and passive animals. However, when people and their dogs move too close the moose’s disposition can change in the blink of an eye as they charge and aggressively defend their space.

According to Rogstad, “that extra step taken to get that great photo of a moose can result in a tragic outcome for the person and the moose. Please stay back and enjoy wildlife from a distance--that’s what telephoto lenses are for, and when large animals are encountered on the trail please stay back and let them move off.”

For more information about living with wildlife, click here. For more information about how to safely enjoy moose, click here.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Moose Injures Woman Near Grand Lake

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding the public about the dangers of approaching moose after recent activity in Grand Lake that has heightened concerns with moose/human conflicts.

Tuesday afternoon, a cow moose injured a 60 year-old woman as she walked her dog in a neighborhood southwest of Grand Lake, along County Road 4721.

"It's an unfortunate situation for the victim in this case, and we hope she has a quick recovery," said Area Wildlife Manager Lyle Sidener of Hot Sulphur Springs. "This is a reminder that approaching these large animals can in certain situations be dangerous."

According to a witness, the woman and her dog reportedly came as close as 10 feet to the cow and its calf before the moose charged her and knocked her down. The injured woman was taken to Granby Medical Center, then later transported to St. Anthony's Hospital in Lakewood.

Due to an abundance of caution for human health and safety, wildlife officials euthanized the cow and calf.

"People should remember that approaching wildlife often puts the animal at risk as well," added Sidener.

Moose do not differentiate dogs from wolves - their natural predator - and will instinctually attempt to stomp them in self-defense. If the dog runs back to its owner for safety, it can bring an angry, thousand pound moose with it, putting people at risk as well.

Late spring is calving season and cow moose will aggressively protect their young. Wildlife officials advise that people watch all wildlife from a distance with binoculars or a scope. In addition, people should keep their dogs on leashes at all times, especially in areas where moose are common.

Grand Lake made headlines recently after several national news organizations reported on a local bull moose's seemingly amorous attention to a large statue of a bull moose located within city limits.

Wildlife officials say the cow moose attack is not related to the bull moose's unusual behavior, but remind onlookers to keep their distance from the bull, and all other moose they may encounter.

"We have heard reports of people coming as close as 20 feet to take a picture of this bull," said Sidener. "Many people see it as a curiosity, however we caution the public to give it plenty of space or it may feel threatened and could react."

For more information about living with wildlife, click here. For more information about how to safely enjoy moose, click here.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com