As the spring season arrives we see more wildlife in our area. It’s especially exciting to see the local newborns, so long as we are aware of them and respect the space needed for wildlife and their young.

Recently, Rob Standerwick was charged by a cow moose. Standerwick has lived in the canyon for 24 years. He has walked the trail that he was recently attacked on many times before. He said, “I walk it two to three times a day.” Standerwick is also aware of the amount of moose in the area. He has seen moose before and always walked away or turned around and given the animal space.

On the morning of June 19, 2023, Standerwick was walking his dogs on a path near his property, called the greenbelt. He went around a bend and he heard a branch snap and realized he and a moose had startled each other. Standerwick didn’t have time to turn before the moose was on him. He said the moose was standing over him; one hoof on his chest and the other had kicked him in the head and jaw. Standerwick luckily had been carrying a firearm and sent two shots into the ground to scare the moose away.

Standerwick had been carrying the firearm due to a bear that had been in the area. He never expected to need it to scare off a moose. The moose retreated and returned to her calf. It was at this time that Standerwick realized the moose was just protecting her young.

Leisha Grant, a neighbor across the street from Standerwick, said the neighbors heard gunshots and could hear someone had called out. The dogs then came to one of their houses to get help for their owner. Combined they assisted Standerwick to his house and called 911. He was then sent to the ER.

Given that the moose had been standing on him at one point, it’s a miracle Standerwick did not incur fatal injuries. He had received kicks to the head, several torn muscles in his chest and shoulder, and a hoof imprint on his chest. The worst damage was broken fingers of one hand. Standerwick says that he is very happy to be alive and grateful for all the support.

He also has “no hard feelings towards the moose, she was just doing her job protecting her calf.”

In the canyon, we choose to live in a place that includes wildlife in our backyard. We are privileged to experience the beauty that consists of the mountainous terrain, and extraordinary animals. But those of us that live here also know to be aware of the wildlife and respect them.

Thankfully there is a great community here willing to lend a hand when needed. Grant said, when one of the first responders came they asked who knew Standerwick and everyone assisting was able to say they knew him. Standerwick says, “There are good mountain people [here]. My neighbors are the best… I love the people in the canyon.”

For more information about living in moose country, check out the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website at https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/LivingwithWildlifeMoose.aspx