Moose passes through heading north

SUN photo/Terri House  This moose was spotted near town making his way back to the high country as warm summer weather sets in.

A bull moose was spotted near town as he was making his way back to the high country as warm summer weather sets in.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officer (CPW) Mike Reid indicated that this is most likely the same bull moose that was spotted near Opal Lake last week.

CPW reminds people to give wildlife plenty of room, especially when it comes to moose.

The moose population is thriving in Colorado, and, as the number of moose rise, so does the chance for human interaction with them.

Moose are not typically aggressive, but they do not fear humans and will defend their young and their territory. Dogs can provoke attacks because of their resemblance to wolves, a moose’s only natural predator. People hiking in moose country are encouraged to keep their dogs on a leash. A charging moose will likely follow a dog running back to its owners and can end up injuring them as well. Moose can grow up to 1,200 pounds and can run up to 35 miles per hour.

Wildlife managers caution that when humans are injured by wildlife, it can result in the euthanasia of the animal, regardless of the circumstances.

If you encounter a moose, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Give them plenty of room — enjoy viewing wildlife from a distance.
• If an animal reacts to your presence, you’re too close.
• Keep pets away. Never let your dog approach a moose.
• Look for signs that the moose is agitated: raised hackles, lowered head, ears pinned back, swaying back and forth, licking its snout.
• If you see any of those signs, leave the area as quickly as possible and avoid cornering the animal.
• If a moose charges, run away and try to put a tree, vehicle or other large object between you and the moose.
• If you are knocked down, get up and try to get away. Do not stay on the ground.

Moose are fascinating animals and have become a prominent species among Colorado’s wide variety of wildlife. Watching them can be a rewarding and unique experience as long as they are given plenty of space and respect.

For more information and tips about moose watching, visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Moose Country article at http://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/LivingwithWildlifeMoose.aspx.