Rocky Mountain National Park‘s 415 square miles are home to hundreds of miles of trails and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. 67 mammal species are known to be native to the area, though grizzly bears, gray wolves and bison were completely removed in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Moose were not historically recorded as living in this section of the Rocky Mountains, but they’re frequently seen in the park today.
Moose can reach 35 miles per hour and both males & females can be equally unpredictable. Bull moose are known to charge during the fall mating season while cows are particularly protective of calves at all times. As such, visitors are required to give these animals plenty of room to roam without human interferences.
In order to discourage poor behavior around moose, Rocky Mountain National Park chose to shame a poor behaving tourist on their social media, asking the public what’s wrong with this picture?
“What is wrong with this picture taken this week in Rocky Mountain National Park?
a) the park visitor has illegally approached wildlife
b) the park visitor is in a closed meadow – a meadow that is closed this time of year to protect wildlife!
c) the young bull moose is demonstrating his concern by laying his ears back
d) the park visitor has his back to the moose while taking a selfie – moose are faster than they look
e) all of the above
All wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park are wild animals and they should be given respect and space to be … wild. If an animal is reacting to you, you are too close. For moose and bears, keep back at least 120 feet or 36 meters. That’s more than two school bus lengths.“