Moose are the largest members of the deer family, weighing anywhere from 800 to 1200 pounds and a bull can stand as high as 6’ at the shoulder. They have brown rumps, not white, like a deer. They have a long head, overhanging snout and a flap of skin, called a “bell” that hangs from their throats. Bull moose have flattened antlers with points around the edge that can be up to 5’ wide while young bucks sport small spikes or small plates and it’s not uncommon to see a bull moose with antlers similar to those of an elk.
Breeding season, or rut, begins in mid-September and continues through October. The bulls establish a territory and are often aggressive during the breeding season. Cows give birth in May and June and while twins are common in good habitat, there are also documented sets of triplets. In the wild, moose can live to the ripe old age of 20.
Moose have few natural enemies and show little fear of humans but it’s still dangerous to get near a moose. While these animals are instinctively curious, female moose (cows) are very protective of their young (calves) and may be aggressive if approached or startled. Bulls can also be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. If it’s your custom to travel with your dog it might not be wise to include him on hikes on the mesa. Since wolves are a natural predator, moose will instinctively attack dogs so if you’re hiking with a dog, even on a leash, it’s best to avoid an encounter.
Don’t be fooled if a moose approaches you, it is not trying to be friendly; it may be looking for a handout or warning you to keep away. Some signs of an aggressive moose include the hair standing up on their neck, licking their snouts, cocking their head or rolling their eyes and ears back. All of these are dangerous situations so you should back away, hide behind a tree or other obstacle and leave an escape route open for the moose. Moose do not travel in herds like other big games species but prefer to remain secluded. They need their space so it’s best to observe them from afar or from high spots, looking down into drainages. They are excellent swimmers so keep an eye out when hiking around the many lakes on Grand Mesa.
Since being reintroduced to the Grand Mesa area, the moose population has thrived and expanded to approximately 450 today. We hope that you enjoy your visit to the Grand Mesa of Colorado and please remember that it is not only illegal to feed all big game in Colorado but it is also dangerous. Never feed wild animals…for YOUR sake and THEIRS.
For more information on the local moose population you can contact the Colorado Division of Wildlife at 303 297-1192 or go to: www.wildlife.state.co.us
Breeding season, or rut, begins in mid-September and continues through October. The bulls establish a territory and are often aggressive during the breeding season. Cows give birth in May and June and while twins are common in good habitat, there are also documented sets of triplets. In the wild, moose can live to the ripe old age of 20.
Moose have few natural enemies and show little fear of humans but it’s still dangerous to get near a moose. While these animals are instinctively curious, female moose (cows) are very protective of their young (calves) and may be aggressive if approached or startled. Bulls can also be aggressive, especially during the breeding season. If it’s your custom to travel with your dog it might not be wise to include him on hikes on the mesa. Since wolves are a natural predator, moose will instinctively attack dogs so if you’re hiking with a dog, even on a leash, it’s best to avoid an encounter.
Don’t be fooled if a moose approaches you, it is not trying to be friendly; it may be looking for a handout or warning you to keep away. Some signs of an aggressive moose include the hair standing up on their neck, licking their snouts, cocking their head or rolling their eyes and ears back. All of these are dangerous situations so you should back away, hide behind a tree or other obstacle and leave an escape route open for the moose. Moose do not travel in herds like other big games species but prefer to remain secluded. They need their space so it’s best to observe them from afar or from high spots, looking down into drainages. They are excellent swimmers so keep an eye out when hiking around the many lakes on Grand Mesa.
Since being reintroduced to the Grand Mesa area, the moose population has thrived and expanded to approximately 450 today. We hope that you enjoy your visit to the Grand Mesa of Colorado and please remember that it is not only illegal to feed all big game in Colorado but it is also dangerous. Never feed wild animals…for YOUR sake and THEIRS.
For more information on the local moose population you can contact the Colorado Division of Wildlife at 303 297-1192 or go to: www.wildlife.state.co.us