JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colorado – It was all hands on deck in Jefferson County, Colorado when a nuisance moose was tranquilized after it was found in a residential neighborhood looking into windows. One person couldn’t move it. Nor could two, and nor could three. In total, eight people were required to pick up and move Mr. Moose safely to his home away from humans.
According to Colorado Parks & Wildlife, there are around 3,000 moose living in Colorado today. This doesn’t seem that wild, until you learn that, up until the 1970s, hardly any moose lived in the state. Occasionally a few would wander in from Wyoming, but that was it. Then, in 1978, 12 moose were transplanted to Colorado’s North Park region near Walden from Utah. Another 12 were moved in from Wyoming in 1979, and again in 1987. Between 1991 and 1992, around 100 moose were moved to southern Colorado near Creede.
Colorado Parks & Wildlife on Moose Safety
“These formidable beasts need their space and must be given command and respect when observed in the wild.
- Signs of moose aggression include laid back ears, raised hairs on the neck, and licking of the snout
- Avoid animals that are behaving belligerently or abnormally.​
- Keep pets away, as moose can get quite aggressive around them. Be especially cautious when walking dogs.Â
- ​If a moose displays aggressive behavior or begins to charge, run as fast as you can and try to put a large object between you such as a boulder, car or tree
While moose encounters with people are quite common, moose cause few problems. However, moose have “treed” people who have approached them too closely, have killed or injured pets or livestock, and have chased people away from territories they are defending. Caution and common sense go a long way in preventing potential problems with moose.“