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

Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day this Saturday at Rocky Mountain National Park

Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) on Saturday, June 8 with two great events. In the morning, you'll have the opportunity to take a bird walk in Rocky Mountain National Park. Join park rangers to learn more about migratory birds while exploring the park with experienced bird watchers. The event will be at 8:00 a.m. at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. After a short introduction, visitors and bird walk leaders will caravan into the park to view birds in a variety of habitats. The activity is free of charge, but park entrance fees will apply. This guided walk will have naturalists and expert birders help beginners identify birds; all ages and abilities are welcomed. Bring warm clothes, water, good walking shoes, binoculars and a snack. The event will end at noon, but visitors are encouraged to continue their birding adventures throughout the day.

Park staff will finish off the day at 7:00 p.m. at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center with the free premiere of "Birds Without Borders," the new documentary produced by Nick Mollé and the park's Chief of Resource Stewardship Ben Bobowski. Over 150 species of birds share the ecosystems of Rocky Mountain National Park and Costa Rica. Fifty are known to nest in Rocky and migrate to Costa Rica. "Birds Without Borders" focuses on four of these species. Filmed on location in both countries, the story follows the research team as they attempt to locate and film each of the four birds in sometimes difficult situations. The movie is one hour long and has been produced for distribution on PBS.

International Migratory Bird Day is celebrated each spring across the United States and Canada. This special event recognizes the movement of nearly 350 species of birds from their wintering grounds in South America, Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean to nesting habitats in North America. This year marks the 21st anniversary of IMDB with the theme of "Life Cycles of Migratory Birds." This theme details all aspects of a migratory birds' life, from nesting and migration to breeding and raising young. Most importantly, it addresses the need for conservation throughout the life cycle.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Arkansas Headwaters' summer programs and guided hikes

Summer is here and it’s time for everyone to get out to the Arkansas River and have some fun! This year the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) will be offering hikes and programs for all ages and abilities, which cover a spectrum of outdoor activities and attractions.

This summer volunteer Naturalist Bob Hickey and Naturalist Melissa Arentsen will lead hikes along the river, forests and mountains within the upper Arkansas River valley. Here's a sampling of some of the upcoming programs at the AHRA:

June 22, 9 a.m.: Cottonwood Pass NE side Easy, short day hike with lots of wildflowers and magnificent views.

June 13 to 16, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.: AHRA will be hosting an information booth at FIBArk. Come join the festivities at Colorado’s oldest and boldest whitewater festival. Don’t miss the AHRA float in the FIBArk parade on Saturday!

June 29, 8:30 a.m.: Water Dogs Lake: Short day hike up Monarch Pass area through forests and meadows to a pristine high mountain lake.

July 5, 6:30 p.m.: Campground Program at Railroad Bridge: Bob Hickey will talk about the geologic forces that formed the mountains, valleys and the Arkansas River north of Buena Vista.

August 17, 9 a.m.: Lost Lake on Cottonwood Pass – Bob Hickey will lead a short day hike just below and west of the summit of Cottonwood Pass to a lake that is rarely found.

August 31, 6 p.m.: Labor Day Campground Program/Hike at Hecla Junction: Learn fascinating facts about "Metamorphism" and how the weird and wonderful rock formations were created.

For more information call AHRA at 719-539-7289, or visit their website.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Climbing Mt Elbert: The highest mountain in Colorado

Mt. Elbert - the highest point in Colorado. At 14,440-feet, the mountain is also the highest point between Mt. Whitney in California, Fairweather Mountain in Canada, La Malinche Mountain in Mexico, and Mont Blanc in France.

My wife and I have hiked it twice. The first time we literally spent less than 5 minutes at the summit. Rolling thunder and ominus looking clouds forced us to leave as soon as we reached the top. Feeling like we were ripped-off, we returned the following year, and enjoyed more than an hour at the summit under glorious Colorado skies.

Below is a video by a fellow hiker by the name of Kara Murphy. Along with video of some outstanding scenery, Kara does an excellent job of providing some key tips for climbing the mountain. In it, she also mentions 14,421-foot Mt. Massive, Elbert's neighbor to the north. There's a very interesting story associated with the two mountains.

In the 1970s there was a movement among some people that felt that Mt. Massive was more deserving of being Colorado's highest mountain. The group apparently embarked on a campaign to stack rocks at the summit in order to raise the height of the mountain. Those who wanted to keep the status quo would periodically visit Mt. Massive and dismantle the over-sized cairn. Fortunately, at some point, the pro-Massive group realized their quest was becoming Quixotic, and eventually gave up.

If interested in hiking the mountain someday, please visit the Mt. Elbert page on our website for more details and photos of the trail.





Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Secretary Jewell Announces Designation of 28 National Recreation Trails in 18 States

In recognition of National Trails Day, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Director of the National Park Service Jonathan B. Jarvis, announced yesterday the designation of 28 trails as national recreation trails, adding almost 650 miles of trails to the National Trails System.

"From coast to coast, the National Trails System helps connect American families with the wonders of the great outdoors," said Secretary Jewell. "These 28 new national recreation trails, established through partnerships with local communities and stakeholders, connect federal, state and local lands and waters to provide access to inexpensive, enjoyable outdoor activities for all Americans.”

“Today’s trails span 18 states and join a network of more than 1,200 previously designated trails that total more than 15,000 miles,” said Director Jarvis. “As we get ready to celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday, I encourage everyone to get outside and explore one of these great trails.”

National recreation trail designation recognizes existing trails and trail systems that link communities to recreational opportunities on public lands and in local parks across the nation. Communities and other partners supporting the establishment of the new national recreation trails receive a certificate of designation, a letter of congratulations from Secretary Jewell, and a set of national recreation trail markers.

The national recreation trail program is jointly administered by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service in conjunction with a number of other federal and nonprofit partners, notably American Trails, which hosts the national recreation trails website.

For more information, and to see the complete list of 28 trails that have been designated this year, please click here.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com