Living in the Peak to Peak amid our picturesque mountain nature is more than just a privilege, it’s a responsibility. Every time that we head out onto the trails there’s a level of preparation that needs to be completed, and a level of awareness that should be kept at all times. Understanding of our surroundings is ideal, not just for the protection of plant and animal life, but for our own protection as well.

Nederland residents may be familiar with the type of wildlife that come to visit their backyards, but year after year our population grows, as does the amount of visitors to our mountain refuge. So with the warmer weather of the Spring and Summer seasons bringing both an influx of people and of animals to the surrounding area, it’s best to keep in mind the rules of existing alongside nature.

The months of May and June are calving season for moose, a period of time when aggression from adult moose can be most expected. Colorado Parks and Wildlife District Wildlife Manager Sam Peterson advises that hikers and mountain bikers should remain aware of their surroundings at all times when out on trail. Moose can be found in flat areas among willow and lodgepole pine stands, in riparian or transition zones.

Peterson suggests that outdoor recreationalists carry bear or pepper spray and make occasional noise when approaching blind corners, like singing or talking. Bells were not suggested as they could further aggravate the animal.

It’s also suggested either to keep dogs on a leash or to leave dogs at home when planning to hike, bike, or jog during moose calving season, as well as during rut season in September and October. Moose have poor eyesight and cannot tell the difference between a dog and a wolf, wolves being the only natural predator for moose.

Peterson advises that those who wish to avoid moose causing any damage to their property should install six-foot fencing with a solid top bar, and potentially electrify portions of the fence at a five foot height. Additionally, keeping tree branches pruned above ten feet from the ground will stop moose from being able to graze.

Moose typically feed on willow, aspen, mountain mahogany, Douglas fir, and aquatic plants; they feed for 11.3 hours and consume an average of 16,000 calories a day. Unfortunately, moose will also eat grain and hay which will negatively affect their digestion by creating too much stomach acid and could be fatal. It’s suggested to property owners to keep grain and hay and any other “attractants” cleared from one’s yard in order to further deter moose from the property.

It’s strongly advised that people should remain 100 yards away from moose at all times and should be aware of their surroundings. They should attempt to keep obstacles like trees and rocks between themselves and the animal. A moose’s ears will go back, its hackles will go up, and its eyes will bulge and roll if it feels threatened and is planning to act. A moose calf being present will cause an adult moose to react negatively to a human presence immediately, and the presence of a dog will agitate them further.

If coming within 25 yards of a moose, it’s advised to back away quickly while remaining aware of the animal’s position, as moose, though not very agile, can charge very fast. Seek cover immediately behind a tree, rock, or car, and, if attacked, remain in a fetal position while protecting your head and neck; a moose will attack by stomping with its front hooves and will typically stomp a few times before leaving.

Peterson also notes that attempts to haze a moose with loud noise, even an air horn, may help make other people nearby aware of the situation, but may cause the moose to stubbornly stand their ground and grow more agitated.

Moose are the largest mammal in the Cervidae family, closely related to elk and deer, and the Shiras moose is the type known to Colorado. An adult Shiras moose can weigh 800 to 1200 pounds, reach a maximum shoulder height of six and a half feet, with bull moose having an antler spread of up to 55 inches. They were introduced to Colorado in 1978 mainly for hunting purposes, and due to less disease and natural predators here, their population has greatly increased over the last four decades.

It is important for one’s own safety to understand these rules, as well as for the safety of the animal, as humanmoose conflicts during calving season can unfortunately result in the animal being euthanized by CPW. Though CPW will attempt to enact hazing measures, and will attempt to use tranquilizers (though they are not effective against a full-grown moose in less than 15 minutes), it is typical, especially during calving and rut seasons, that the increased aggravation from the moose will result in the animal being put down.

Please contact CPW if you witness any issues or aggressive behavior from local wildlife. CPW can be reached at 303-291-7227 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For other emergency needs, you can contact Colorado State Patrol at 303-239-4501 at any time of the day or week. To anonymously report any illegal wildlife activity, call Operation Game Thief at 1-877-COLO-OGT.