Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is urging residents and visitors to exercise caution after a series of moose attacks in the state. Over a span of three days, three separate incidents occurred across different areas, raising concerns about the risks of moose encounters, especially when dogs are involved. While these attacks are believed to be coincidental, CPW emphasizes that unleashed dogs are often the cause of such dangerous interactions with moose.
The Moose Attacks
The series of moose attacks began on Friday, May 30, in Fairplay, when two women walking with their dogs were trampled by a moose. Fortunately, they managed to escape by climbing onto a roof and using a fire extinguisher to scare the moose away. No serious injuries were reported in this incident.
The next day, on Saturday, May 31, a more serious attack occurred in Grand Lake. A cow moose charged a couple, knocking a woman to the ground. She crawled under a small storage area to escape. In response, her partner shot and killed the moose in self-defense. Unfortunately, the calf was later euthanized by CPW because it would not survive in the wild without its mother.
On Sunday, June 1, another attack took place in Steamboat Springs. A woman walking leashed dogs was seriously injured by a cow moose at River Creek Park. A man who was paddleboarding nearby attempted to help but was also kicked by the moose. CPW has closed the park through Wednesday as they assess the situation and the safety of the area.
The Role of Unleashed Dogs
CPW has stressed that unleashed dogs are the most common cause of moose attacks in Colorado. Rachael Gonzales, a spokesperson for CPW, explained that dogs’ natural instincts often cause them to run back toward their owners, which can provoke the moose into charging. In the Fairplay attack, for example, the dogs were not on a leash, which played a significant role in the incident.
“Without question, unleashed dogs are by far the most prevalent instigator for moose attacks in Colorado,” Gonzales said. She added that, not only does this pose a risk to the dog, but it also endangers the owner.
Signs of Moose Aggression
CPW has advised that the best way to avoid moose attacks is to keep dogs on a leash and give moose plenty of space. If you do encounter a moose, it’s important to recognize the signs that it may be getting irritated or ready to charge. Gonzales explained that signs of an upset moose include:
- Licking its lips
- Pinning its ears back
- Having the hairs on its back standing up
- Pacing back and forth
These are warning signals that the moose is uncomfortable and could charge if it feels threatened or provoked.
What to Do If You Encounter a Moose
In the event of a moose encounter, CPW recommends keeping a safe distance and making sure your dogs are securely leashed. If a moose shows signs of aggression, try to move slowly and calmly away from the animal. Avoid making sudden movements, which could provoke the moose further. If the situation escalates, you should seek shelter or, if necessary, use loud noises or objects like a car alarm to haze the moose away.
The recent string of moose attacks in Colorado serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting wildlife and taking precautions to prevent dangerous interactions. By keeping dogs on a leash and recognizing signs of moose aggression, residents and visitors can significantly reduce the likelihood of being involved in an attack. As Colorado’s moose population grows and more people visit the outdoors, it’s essential to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines to protect both people and wildlife.