Colorado’s ski season is going strong, with February crowds bringing plenty of people to the slopes. New snow is making for truly solid conditions for what feels like the first time this winter, and people are eager to ski or snowboard on some real snow. Ski resorts are often the habitat of many local animals, and more people on the mountain tends to mean an increased chance of human-wildlife encounters.
These 2 moose were spotted running across a fairly crowded ski trail at Colorado’s Breckenridge Resort on Sunday, February 22nd. Fortunately nobody was charged by either of the moose, but that doesn’t mean everyone was acting properly.
Despite Colorado historically not having a stable breeding population of moose, Colorado Parks and Wildlife began transplanting the massive animals into the state back in 1978. Today the state’s population sits closer to 3,000, and that means those living or visiting the state need to understand what to do in the event of a moose encounter.
“Moose may look more friendly than dangerous to wildlife watchers not used to living with this species, but like all wildlife, moose need their space. These animals move more quickly than most would think – up to 35 miles per hour – and must be given command and respect when observed in the wild.” – Colorado Parks and Wildlife
If you see a moose ahead of you on the ski trail, you should stop a good distance away and let the animal move without obstruction. Passing as close as several of the skiers in the video is dangerous and could lead to injury or worse. The ski trail will still be there once the moose are gone.
