[dog barking]
[person yelling]
My name is Elissa Slezak, and I'm a District Wildlife Manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Weighing up to 1,000 pounds and towering six feet high at the shoulder,
moose are Colorado's largest wild mammal.
these massive animals are relatively unafraid of people and can pose an enormous risk to public safety.
Each year, more people are attacked by moose than by any other species of wildlife,
and moose are one of the most unpredictable and dangerous animals in our state.
Thanks to decades of conservation programs,
Colorado is home to an estimated 2,500 moose and boasts one of the healthiest populations in the lower 48 states.
With this thriving population,
moose have expanded beyond the remote areas where they were originally introduced.
They are now appearing in many of our busy mountain towns, rural neighborhoods, tourist destinations and ski areas.
Recently, moose have even ventured into Colorado's Front Range suburbs,
as they continue to seek out new territory and habitat.
[Newscaster] It wasn't a bear, but a moose that made its way to a shopping area in Broomfield this morning,
[Newscaster] and chance encounters like Sunday are happening more often.
While this creates exciting opportunities to view these fascinating animals,
dangerous conflicts between moose and people have become increasingly common in recent years.
[Newscaster] 7News learning new details about the two Gilpin County women
[Newscaster] injured when they were attacked by a moose.
[Newscaster] Lindsey, those women are very lucky to be alive.
Fortunately, nearly all dangerous encounters can be minimized or avoided
by taking some simple precautions.
The #1 rule to avoid dangerous conflicts is to maintain a safe distance from moose.
Never approach moose or attempt to take a close-up photograph or selfie.
Unlike most wildlife that will typically run away if approached,
moose will stand their ground and often charge if they feel threatened.
Always use your zoom or your binoculars to observe moose more closely.
Usually, as long as you stay out of a moose's personal space,
they will not act aggressively.
However, every moose has a different level of tolerance for humans,
so along with keeping a safe distance,
it's also important to pay attention to the animal's behavior.
If the moose reacts to your presence,
changes its behavior,
or shows any signs of aggression,
you're too close and you need to back away immediately.
Moose that lick their snout, pin their ears back, or raise the hackles along their spine or shoulder hump
are showing signs that you have invaded their space, and are about to attack.
unfortunately, by the time you see these warning signs, it's often too late.
Despite their lumbering appearance, moose can charge quickly
and can run up to 35 mph.
You cannot outrun a moose, which is why maintaining distance is so critical.
If a moose decides to charge,
quickly get behind something large like a tree, a car or a big rock
to separate yourself from the animal.
Some of the most dangerous conflicts between people and moose are triggered by dogs.
[Newscaster] The most recent attacks happened in the towns of Jamestown and Fraser.
[Newscaster] All three victims are women.
[Newscaster] These women also shared something else in common.
[Reporter] Yeah, absolutely Tom, and that would be they were with their four legged friends
dogs like this dog right here.
Throughout much of the native range for moose,
wolves are their primary predators.
This means that moose will react to dogs as they would to wolves,
and they will go out of their way to charge or stomp a dog that barks at them or chases them.
Dogs charged by moose often run back to their owners,
which puts humans in danger of being trampled.
[dog barking]
[person yelling]
[Person] Ow.
If you live or recreate in areas where moose are present,
make sure to keep your dogs on a short leash, in a fenced yard or in an enclosed kennel.
This will help keep both you and your dog safe.
If you're hiking, biking, skiing or snowmobiling,
it's always important to watch for moose on trails and backcountry roads.
Moose will seldom yield to you,
and trying to chase them or push them off a trail may provoke an attack.
If you see a moose on a trail or road,
always give them the right-of-way, allow them plenty of space, and let them pass or move off the trail in their own time.
Moose also tend to be more aggressive and territorial in the fall during mating season
and in the spring and summer when calves are present.
It's important to be especially cautious and mindful of your surroundings
when recreating during those times of the year.
Every year I catch people who put out salt blocks, vegetables and other food items for moose.
Not only is it illegal to feed wildlife in Colorado,
it's dangerous as well.
Moose are known to take food and then attack afterwards.
Come on, big guy! Hungry?
Feeding moose and other big-game animals changes their natural feeding behavior and increases transmission of disease.
Feeding also lures moose into residential areas
which can increase the likelihood of dangerous encounters.
Moose that frequent human food sources become habituated
and may need to be euthanized to protect public safety.
Feeding wildlife always turns out badly for both people and animals.
One of the great things about living and recreating in Colorado
is our abundant populations of moose and other wildlife,
but with that privilege comes a responsibility to ensure that you are doing everything possible to avoid dangerous encounters.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife thanks you for your cooperation.
For more information about moose and other wildlife,
please visit our website.
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