GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) – After responding to three attacks, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) reminds the public to be aware of potentially aggressive cow moose while recreating outdoors this summer season.
The three recent attacks occurred in Park, Grand, and Routt counties.
The first recorded attack occurred on May 30, when two women walking four off-leash dogs encountered a cow moose along Fourmile Creek Road in Fairplay. The moose charged and trampled the women multiple times. They escaped the moose by climbing onto a nearby roof. A neighbor was able to scare the moose away with a fire extinguisher. CPW officials located 2 cow moose on the scene but could not identify which moose was involved in the attack, so no further action was taken. Both woman did not seek medical attention.
The second recorded attack occurred on May 31, when a couple was returning home walking their on-leash dog near Columbine Lake in Grand Lake. A cow moose charged at them, knocking the woman to the ground. She crawled under a small storage area next to her home while the moose attempted to charge and stomp her. The boyfriend shot and killed the moose as it continually showed aggressive behavior and no signs of leaving. The woman was treated on scene with injuries to her face, shoulder, and arms. CPW officers did not ticket the man, as the moose was shot in self-defense while actively posing a threat to human health and safety.
Officials believed the moose was protecting a calf. CPW officers located a calf moose and humanely euthanized it. “The decision to euthanize the calf was not easy to make,” said Hot Sulphur Springs Area Wildlife Manager Jeromy Huntington. “While rehabilitation can be successful in some cases, it’s not a guaranteed solution. In the case of this moose calf, taking it to a rehab at such a young age would not be in the best interest of the animal’s long-term survival in the wild.”
The last recorded attack occurred on June 1, when a woman was walking her two on-leash dogs at River Creek Park in Steamboat Springs when a cow moose attacked her. A man passing by found her on the ground near the river. As he helped her toward the parking lot, the moose returned and kicked him. The woman was transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. After evaluation, she was flown to a facility on the Front Range. The man was treated on the scene.
Cow moose give birth to calves in the late spring and early summer season. During this time, they can be more aggressive toward perceived threats to their young. If you see a calf, CPW advises you to turn around or leave the area.
CPW says, “Most moose conflicts involve dogs. When recreating near riparian or willow habitats, keep dogs on leash to avoid startling moose near a trail. Off-leash dogs can venture off-trail, surprising hidden moose calves or cows. Cows will, in turn, chase retreating dogs, which can bring the moose in contact with humans.”
If a moose begins to charge, get behind objects like trees or boulders to put obstacles in its path, CPW says.
Moose encounters with people are quite common, but conflicts with moose are low, according to CPW. Since 2019, CPW has responded to 22 injuries from moose attacks.
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