PITKIN COUNTY, Colorado – An aggressive mother moose sparked a trail closure in North Star Nature Preserve near Aspen, Colorado. According to a press release from Pitkin County, the East of Aspen Trail, and potentially later The Beach, has been closed indefinitely. A voluntary closure is also in affect for paddlers at North Star, and signs are now posted at the South Gate launch site.
Two female moose, with one calf each, have been spotted in the area, with one frequently showing up on the East of Aspen Trail. That cow has recently charged at multiple trail users, leading to the closure. It runs in between the South Gate parking lot and the North Star takeout. Pitkin County Open Space and Trails rangers are regularly patrolling the area.
“Respecting the closure is crucial for everyone’s safety. We don’t want harm to come to anyone, including the moose.” – Ranger Supervisor Rick Norman
If hiking in moose territory, Colorado Parks and Wildlife encourages leaving your headphones at home, so you can stay aware of your surroundings. Additionally, keeping your dogs on a leash and nearby is crucial, as the large animals will see them as a threat and are much more likely to become agressive in their presence.
“If you come across a moose, it is important to give it space. Even if the moose moves into the brush and disappears from view, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s gone or that it can’t still see you. It is best to calmly and quickly leave the area in the opposite direction. Signs of moose aggression include laid-back ears, raised hairs on the neck, and licking of the snout. If a moose displays this behavior or begins to charge, run as fast as you can and try to put a large object between you and the moose, such as a boulder, car or tree.” – Pitkin County