Jacqueline Hart, Gilpin County.  On the evening of October 9, 2018, along the stretch of Hwy 119 near Taggert’s and the Colorado Sierra residential community, a female moose was hit by a truck. Thankfully the driver and his passengers were unharmed. The moose, however, was killed, leaving her two calves orphaned in the area. Gilpin county residents have voiced concern for the calves who are frequently spotted on private property, sometimes even blocking driveways of homes. The moose calves don’t appear to be moving on, which can be concerning, since the safety of both residents and wildlife depend on maintaining safe distance and appropriate boundaries between us and them.

According to the staff at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Gilpin County human community members can help the newly orphaned calves stay safe by reviewing guidelines for sharing space with wild animals. Although the temptation to get closer to these moose because of familiarity with their story and their faces could change the perception of them as wild animals, it’s important not to treat them with less caution than any other wildlife.

Reminders for Co-existing with Local Wildlife

Feeding our wild neighbors is illegal, for good reason. Once a moose expects food to come from a human source, they are likely to become aggressive, and could attack either the person feeding them, or another person who is in their environment. Once an animal has been fed, the chances it will charge at a person increase dramatically. Feeding wildlife is dangerous to both humans and animals. If the moose harms someone or becomes a danger to people in the community, they are likely to be put down by wildlife authorities.

Wolves are a moose’s most common predator. Wolves are not found in this area, but local moose intensely dislike pet dogs. They are likely to go out of their way to charge or kick a dog. If the moose in the local neighborhoods get too close and too comfortable, they could get territorial with dogs. Be especially mindful of dogs going out in fenced yards alone and keep a close eye on them to keep them safe. A moose will jump a fence if they can to get to a dog.

If a moose is blocking the entrance to your home or you find yourself surprisingly close to one, do not throw anything at them. This is likely to anger them, and they could charge. If you are threatened, stay calm and don’t run away. Talk or make your presence known, and slowly back away. If the moose hasn’t seen you and you can easily slip behind a tree or similar hiding spot, do so.

It’s a good idea to always maintain a safe distance between people and moose and other wildlife.

If you have any other questions, or a problem with an aggressive wild animal, call Colorado Division of Wildlife at 303-297-1192 or at www.cpw.state.co.us.