COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is warning residents to keep their distance from wild animals after a man and his dogs were attacked by a moose.
The incident occurred on Monday on private property near South Meadows Campground, north of Woodland Park, according to CPW.
CPW says the man was chased down by a female moose and knocked to the ground while he was letting his dogs back inside. The man had to roll under a vehicle to escape, and reportedly saw his two dogs get stomped on by the moose.
One dog was euthanized due to injuries, while the other is still under observation. CPW says the man’s wife was also charged by the moose on Sunday, but she escaped into the home.
Due to the location of the incident, CPW attempted to sedate and relocate the moose and her calves, but saw the moose moving into a better and more remote location.
CPW says signs have been posted in the area warning that a potentially dangerous moose may be nearby.
CPW says the moose population in the state is growing, especially in Teller County. There are currently estimated to be 3,600 moose in the state, compared to 2,250 in 2013. With more people moving into Colorado and a growing moose population, CPW says it’s becoming more important to take precautions in mountainous areas.
CPW urges hikers to avoid thick willow habitat in riparian areas where moose are likely to be found eating or resting. Their calves, born in a 3 to 4 week period from the end of May to mid-June, are often lying in the willows while their mother is off grazing and will stay with their mother into the fall.
If photographing or observing wildlife, especially wildlife with babies, CPW says always keep a safe distance and follow the “rule of thumb.”
If you can cover the entire wild animal with your thumb, you’re generally at a safe distance. If the animal looks larger than your thumb, you are too close, and CPW says to back away slowly.
If the animal changes its behavior in any way, looks toward you, tucks its ears, makes noises, stomps the ground, etc., then again, you are too close and need to back away slowly.
CPW also says this is another reason not to feed wildlife, as it can encourage animals to approach people looking for food.
Near your home, CPW says to keep pets on a leash or in a fenced-in area. If that is not possible, it is recommended that you canvas the area before letting your dogs outside, and stay outside with them to watch out for wildlife.
A pet left outside, unsecured and unobserved, may be in danger from moose, bears, mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, and even raptors like owls, hawks and eagles.
Copyright 2025 KKTV. All rights reserved.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
