Moose were introduced to Colorado in 1978. The first transplant by Colorado wildlife managers was just 12 moose. The population has exploded since then with nearly 3,000 moose in Colorado today. It seems like just a handful of years ago, it was unheard of to see a moose. But these days, it seems like there are moose sightings more often than not in Taylor Park. Moose have become a major wildlife attraction in Colorado.
While beautiful creatures, stumbling upon a moose can be very dangerous for humans and dogs. If you do come across a moose or two, it is important to stay safe. Moose-human conflicts are becoming more common and due to their massive size and strength, you do not want to be on the receiving end of an angry moose.
*Always keep your distance. It may be tempting to get a little closer to the moose munching on some brush. It’s like a big deer, right? Wrong! A moose is not a cuddly creature you can take a selfie with. In fact, weighing up to 1,000 pounds, getting too close to a moose can be quite dangerous. Don’t be fooled that their size makes them slow. An adult moose can run 35 miles per hour and charge anyone too close very easily. Stay back.
*Keep your dog on a leash. Dogs tend to provoke moose which can lead to an attack. Moose perceive dogs as wolves, which they do not like. Wolves are a threat to moose, especially young moose. Encountering a dog can cause a moose to become extremely angry and aggressive. Since moose see your dog, Fluffy, as a wolf, their primary predator, keep them on a short leash and close by when out in the wilderness.
*Back away slowly. If you are out hiking or enjoying one of Taylor Park’s plentiful OHV trails and come upon a moose, back away calmly and slowly. Give them their space. You should be no closer to a moose than 50 feet.
*A good rule of thumb is that if a moose reacts to your presence, then you are too close. Warning signs from a moose include raised hackles, a lowered head or is swaying its head back and forth, pinned back ears, and snorting and licking its snout. If you experience any of these, you are being warned to back off immediately.
*Never get between a female (cow) and her calf or calves. This can be a very dangerous scenario and that moose mama is going to protect her young very aggressively. The young may look cute, but always remember that mama moose is watching and is very close by even if you don’t see her.
*Carry wildlife pepper spray with you just in case a moose becomes aggressive towards you. You hope that you will never have to use it, but it is an essential item to carry with you when living your best life in the great outdoors of Taylor Park.
*If you do get charged by a moose, run. They are less likely to chase you too far when running away. If you can’t get yourself indoors or inside a vehicle, try to put something solid between you and the moose. Putting a tree between you and the moose is a good option in the wilderness. You can move around the tree with more agility than the moose can if needed. If you get knocked down by an aggressive moose, stay down. Curl yourself into a ball and protect your head with your hands and be still. Wait for the moose to move away. Getting up too soon can cause the moose to renew its attack.
Be safe out there and enjoy Colorado’s majestic moose and mountains.
