Most images you see of bull moose are taken during the fall rut, when their antlers have grown into massive racks and they’ve shed the soft, blood-rich tissue that covers the boney structures. Males shed their antlers during the winter, leaving them to repeat the growing process every spring and summer. Bull moose spotted in the spring often feature no antlers, and if they do they’re usually quite small.
Moose are herbivores, feeding on a variety of plant life including quite a lot of aquatic vegetation. In the spring, when the water plants begin to grow, moose will often wade or swim into deep water to reach them. This bull was filmed enjoying the waters of Lily Lake in Estes Park, Colorado, with short, newly grown antlers stretching off its head.
Colorado is home to one of the fastest growing moose populations in the lower 48 United States, with more than 3,000 wandering the state’s vast wilderness. Encounters between humans and the large mammals are rather commonplace in Colorado, and while they don’t typically cause problems, they can and will do some serious damage to people or pets that come to close.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommends giving the animals plenty of space at all times, as they can run up to 35 miles per hour despite their size. If you encounter a moose, make sure you follow the appropriate guidelines as presented by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
CPW Moose Safety 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.
