Colorado is home to one of the fastest growing moose populations in the lower 48 states with more than 3,000 animals. The state’s moose are of the Shiras subspecies, the smallest of the four subspecies more commonly known as Yellowstone or Wyoming moose. Moose did not have a stable breeding population in Colorado until they were introduced in 1978.
Moose are generally not agressive, but they can become such when harassed by people, dogs, and traffic, or when they’re tired and hungry. If a moose does become agressive, it will usually charge, stomp, and kick to protect both themselves and their young. Such was the case when this tourist kept harassing a moose in Breckenridge, leading the animal to fight back.
Moose should never be approached and they must always be given plenty of space. A moose can move quickly, up to 35 miles per hour, if it decides to charge. If a moose is reacting to your presence, you are too close. Read more on moose aggression below.
Colorado Parks & Wildlife Moose Aggression Guidelines:
Signs of Aggression
- Laid back ears
- Raised hairs on the neck
- Lowered head
- Swaying back and forth
- Licking of the snout
- Cocking of the head
- Rolling eyes and ears back
- If a moose reacts to your presence, you are too close.
What do I do if a moose displays signs of aggression?
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. Avoid animals that are behaving belligerently or abnormally. Moose that exhibit dangerous behavior towards people should be reported to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.