Moose sightings are becoming more and more frequent in Summit County. In general, I think people think moose are harmless. They don’t have claws and they aren’t meat eaters so think that we should not be threatened by them. Moose weigh about 1000 pounds and will charge and stomp with their front legs when they feel threatened. People, especially those with dogs, can make a moose feel threatened, even when we are just trying to get a great photo or a better view. Be smart. Stay a safe distance away. Wildlife that harm people generally are tracked down and get a death sentence. Don’t cause them or you to die for a photo. It’s not worth it. Below is a video from Colorado Parks and Wildlife that can help you to prevent moose attacks.
A Scary Experience
On a hike in Chihuahua Gulch one year, we were making our way back to the trailhead when our hiking group saw a moose standing in a pond quite a ways from us. The moose saw us and started spinning in circles with her ears pinned back against her head. We could see she had a calf, maybe two, that she was protecting. We thought there was plenty of room between us and the moose but she obviously didn’t feel that way. Quickly, we jumped off trail and into the trees while we watched her. She carried on her antics for quite a while but never advanced towards us, thank goodness. We stayed off the trail and higher up the hill so we could keep an eye on her as we worked our way back down to the car. We did what we could do to prevent moose attacks. Luckily, that moose showed her agitation quite well which kept us from going too close. They don’t always make it so obvious and what you think is far enough away may not be the case.
It’s important to be cautious with wildlife encounters. Nothing is better than seeing animals in nature. I absolutely love it! Be smart about it, prevent moose attacks and make sure it’s a good experience for everyone.
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