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Colorado DOW - Be Alert for Moose
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The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is reminding residents and visitors to Summit and Grand Counties that moose are common throughout the area.

It is important for people to be aware that moose are generally found in places where willows grow. Willow is the preferred food of moose and tall willow stands provide not only food but protection from danger. People hiking around willow stands should be alert to the possible presence of moose.

"Surprising a moose is never a good idea," said Kirk Oldham, DOW District Wildlife Manager for the Grand Lake area.

Another dangerous situation can occur when people are out with their dogs.

"I would say that 95 percent of the moose incidents I hear about start with someone saying 'I was walking my dog when"¦'," added Oldham. "Because wolves are a moose's main natural predator, moose are extremely aggressive towards dogs, regardless of the dog's domestic nature."

One of the most common descriptions for moose attacks occur in areas where people may be hiking, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing with their dogs. Sometimes, people will allow their dogs to be off leash in less populated areas. Because dogs are curious and enjoy the chance to run, they may run into wooded or brushy areas where they are likely to encounter moose.

"The dog will bark because it's unsure of what it has discovered," explained Oldham. "At first the dog acts brave, but when a thousand pound moose decides to charge the dog, the dog generally turns tail and runs. Unfortunately for the dog owner, when the dog is scared it seeks the protection of its master, generally with an Angry moose in tow."

While dogs enjoy their opportunity to exercise, it's best to leave them at home or on a leash when recreating in moose areas.

The Division of Wildlife estimates that there are many moose living in Grand and Summit Counties, but exact numbers are hard to determine because of the solitary and reclusive nature of the animals. Moose can also be found in large numbers in North Park, around Steamboat Springs, in the Laramie River Valley, near Creede and Lake City, and on the Grand Mesa in western Colorado. Moose in smaller numbers are found throughout the central mountains including the Vail area, the Flattops in Garfield and Rio Blanco Counties, the Roaring Fork Valley, Taylor Park north of Gunnison and the NW corner of the state.

Winter isn't the only time moose can be aggressive. Bull (male) moose may be aggressive during the late fall breeding seasons when they will actively protect breeding territories. Cow (female) moose will aggressively defend calves when they are born in the early summer months.

If you see a moose in the wild, the Division of Wildlife recommends that you do not approach the animal. View it from a distance and enjoy the experience. If your presence causes the moose to alter its activities, you're too close. It's best to leave the area.

If you surprise a moose, they may charge you. These charges can be bluff charges to determine if you are a threat or they may result in the animal trying to knock you to the ground. Moose will attack by stomping on a threat. If you are charged by a moose, run. Get something large like a rock, a car or a tree in between you and the moose. If you are knocked to the ground, get up. If you're attacked, fight back.

"The bottom line is that while moose are exciting to see in the wild, they come with some risks that people need to understand," concluded Oldham.

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