Living with nature is an incredible gift, and one that comes with a very serious side of responsibility and understanding. One of the more common (and statistically most dangerous) species we encounter with great regularity here in the Peak to Peak region is our quite robust moose population.

These majestic creatures are amazing to behold but can also pose a serious threat if one is not paying attention, or is purposely entering their “personal space.” All moose have varying tolerances for humans, some quite aggressive, others quite docile, but all have their limits, and can seriously injure or kill someone when their personal boundary is broken.

Moose are also incredibly aggressive towards dogs, being a close cousin to one of their two biggest predators, the wolf (the other being grizzly bears, and since we have neither in significant numbers, the reason for the healthy population we have gained since moose introduction in 1978). Moose can attack a dog of any size, even completely unprovoked, so it is imperative to have a dog on a leash and safe distance kept at all times when recreating in moose country and have a sharp eye out for their presence if none are out in the open (their ability to be stealthy, hidden and quiet is quite remarkable given their size). Due to this, it is also imperative that one keeps a good eye out for them when letting one’s dog out in one’s own yard.

Aside from their distaste of dogs, the most common attacks come from females, usually due to their extremely protective care for calves and yearlings. They will even viciously attack a fully grown bull if he gets too close. Young will usually stay with a mother until she is pregnant again, which can be the next year, or couple, depending on the cow, and occasionally the mother may even let a teenager stay with them after the next birth. This means that most cows will be protecting young, as with such a healthy population with no practical predators except for humans, it is only the eldest past their prime who may not be accompanied by a child.

Living in such a “gray area” between civilization and wilderness, they will be found everywhere, learning as the elk and deer have, to stay near human habitation simply because they know they can’t be hunted. Because of this it is imperative to understand their boundaries, their concerns, and how to mitigate your potential danger in any given situation, as regardless of their being introduced and not “native.” This area of the northern mountains of Colorado has always had moose, just not in any numbers significant enough to be considered an “active” population.

Like any wildlife it is still their home first, and up to us to respect their boundaries, as they really don’t care about ours. Seen here is a mother and calf lounging on the ice at our own Chipeta Park at the spillway, soaking up the winter sun next to their favorite dish, the willows.

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