There are Moose on the Loose 07/13/2017 01:20PM By Dan Greeson Colorado’s Shiras moose are the largest big game animals in the state. Look for moose in areas with aquatic vegetation and willows. Moose aren't small. Shape - Their long head, overhanging snout, and a pendulant flap of skin of varying sizes hanging from their throat ("bell") give moose an unmistakable silhouette when observed in the wild. As long as there are aquatic grasses and willows to feed on, they will stay in the same area. This early population reproduced quickly, and some began to move into the Laramie River Valley. The best place to see moose is the western side of RMNP and in the Grand Lake area. The state's moose populations are thriving, thanks to successful reintroduction efforts by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. These strays were probably just transient animals seeking new habitats, but they never came in large enough numbers to establish a stable population here. These initial moose came from Utah, and, in 1979, another dozen from Wyoming were released in the same region, in the Illinois River drainage. Colorado Moose: Viewing Safety. Know what to do in case of a bear encounter, but don't worry, odds are you'll never know they are there. I've seen moose every time I've gone to Yellowstone, but I specifically look for them when I go. Both bulls and cows are aggressive during the breeding season, with bulls often fighting head to head until the dominant bull drives off, injures, or even kills the challenger. Bulls begin breeding activities by setting up territories, and attract cows by calling with a low grunting sound that resonates across the willow bottoms. That’s far from the case today. While the moose population in other states has declined, Colorado’s moose population continues to grow. Rocky Mountain National Park. These antlers are shed in early winter and re-grown each year. If you do happen to encounter an angry moose it is best to leave slowly and not provoke the animal. Moose are seen year-round in all these locations. Biologists speculate that there may have been greater moose populations in Colorado 100 years ago, but up to about 20 years ago hardly anyone ever saw a moose in Colorado… Until the late 1970s, only a few stray moose would wander into northern Colorado from herds in Wyoming. Moose also live in the wetlands of Colorado State Park where there is an excellent visitor center focused on moose. 756 likes. They are true giants! In 1987 a transplant of 12 moose from Wyoming helped establish a strong population in that valley as well. Unlike Elk, which can have several mates at the same time, moose typically stick to one cow at a time. Sometimes a moose visits Estes Park and the area south of the Park near I70. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) tells us moose from Wyoming were introduced here in 1978 because researchers believed Colorado had a great habitat for moose to thrive. Until the late 1970s, only a few stray moose would wander into northern Colorado from herds in Wyoming. Seeing moose in the Park typically is not that difficult. Moose are most comfortable in cold damp environments. The smallest moose are found in its southernmost populations in Wyoming and Manchuria, where large bulls weigh 300–350 kg … Today, the state's moose populations are doing well with an estimated 2,500 living throughout the state, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The state's moose populations are thriving, thanks to successful reintroduction efforts by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Unfortunately, having more moose around can present a challenge to motorists. The term moose comes from the Algonquin Indian word meaning "eater of twigs," and the most common place to find moose is where there is lots of brush for them to browse on. White-tails have smaller ears, antlers with a single main beam bearing smaller tines, and of course, white tails. The moose population in North America is shrinking swiftly. (credit: Lynda McCormick) A parks and wildlife spokesperson says they had nearly 40,000 applications … Silverton Moose Watch, Silverton, Colorado. In fact they are quite large and rather clumsy looking. Adults can weigh between 800 and 1,200 pounds. A moose near the mile marker 171 exit Sunday on eastbound I-70 in Dowd Junction. The largest moose specimens are found in Alaska and eastern Siberia; there bulls weigh 600 kg (1,300 pounds) and stand 2 metres (7 feet) tall at the shoulder. Since the transplants, our moose have thrived and expanded their range into good habitats. However, early settlers and miners observed and occasionally harvested individual animals. Moose Visitor Center: Operated by the Colorado State Forest State Park and located near the former logging camp of Gould, the Center features info on the park, local history, moose and other wildlife. Alaska-Yukon Moose The Alaska Yukon Moose is the largest moose subspecies AND of any antlered game in the world!. Their body hair is grizzled dark brown, appearing black at a distance, and they have white hair on the inside of their legs. Visitors may see moose at almost any time of the day. NOVEMBER 2013 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE roadway Denver CO pw.state.co.us. Moose may live for up to 20 years in the wild. The bell varies in size and is much larger on bulls. These strays were probably just transient animals seeking new habitats, but they never came in large enough numbers to establish a st… This early population thrived and some moved into the Laramie River Valley. Sagebrush & Sage Species Conservation Strategy, Be SMART! Elk can be spotted bugling and sparring, especially during their fall … One thing is for certain. Since they are so large it's hard to miss them grazing in the low-lying valleys and wet areas near lakes. Traveling typically in small groups, moose feed on water plants, aspen, and willow. Standing over six feet tall and weighing between 600 and 1,600 pounds, moose are a common sight within Rocky Mountain National Park and a visitor favorite. BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. — A woman, in an effort to warn others of the dangers of moose, posted a video on social media of a moose charging skiers and snowboarders at a ski resort. Hunting moose is legal in Colorado and popular. But until the late 1970s it was rare to catch a glimpse of moose in Colorado, even though there are records of moose sightings as far back as the 1850s, according to an Aspen Daily News article. North Park isn't called the Moose Viewing Capital of Colorado for nothing. Wildlife in a natural habitat should always be respected and viewed from a distance. A couple hours north of Denver, the likelihood of seeing a moose is higher here than just about anyplace else in the Colorado (although not as good as the prime Canadian and Maine spots). Standing over six feet tall and weighing between 600 and 1,600 pounds, moose are a common sight within Rocky Mountain National Park and a visitor favorite. What you should do if wildlife gets too close.​, ​​​​​​Moose Reintroduction Fact Sheet, November 2013​ ​(2 MB), Moose Reintroduction Program - Grand Mesa. Read how you can be a safe motorist in moose country. Antler conformation varies considerably, and it is not uncommon to see a bull moose, especially a younger bull moose, with antlers similar to those of an elk. The obvious list of Colorado wildlife might include the black bear, mule deer, and rainbow trout, but what about the lesser known, seldom seen… Adventures Blast down a 1,200-foot long snow chute at this tubing hill in Colorado Typically moose on guard either raise their head high, or dip their head to a low position. Before long, North Park’s moose population was doing so well that some were moved to the upper Rio Grande drainage. Here's why it's a problem ... and there’s still so much experts don’t understand about how … Not only do the moose provide recreational opportunities for sportspeople, they have also become a main attraction for all who enjoy watching wildlife. Home to thousands of elk, mule deer, marmots, bighorns, and the occasional black bear. By Allison Plean and Suzi Mitchell. The Shiras Moose was introduced in Jackson County in 1978 with a very small introductory herd of 12. Each individual establishes a range and may stay in a given location for days or weeks. Moose Viewing. There is no evidence to suggest that breeding populations existed in Colorado before deliberate transplantation efforts during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Where to see elk, when to see them, where to park, and elk watching etiquette at Rocky Mountain National Park. The breeding season, or rut, begins in mid- to late September and runs through October. The place I've had the best luck in Colorado is along the western end of the border with Wyoming. During September through November their mating season (rut) takes place as bulls seek out a mate. CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE. In recognition of this wildlife phenomena, the state legislature designated Walden as the "Moose Viewing Capital of Colorado" in 1995. This moose, a 2-year-old cow, had quite a traumatic day in Colorado Springs. They would wander into northern Colorado from Wyoming every so often but never stayed long enough to establish a stable population, according to CPW. This decrease has been correlated to the opening of roadways and landscapes into this animal's north range. Since that time, the moose population has been on the rise. If you're going to encounter a dangerous animal on the trail, there's a good chance it … In Minnesota, the moose population has decreased by 55 percent since 2006, a … Twins are common in good habitat, and triplets have been documented. Yearling bulls sport small spikes or small plates, with antlers increasing in size as the bulls mature. Starting in late August, aspens in the highest reaches of the Park begin their annual quaking, a term to describe the aspens unique leaves changing a golden-yellow hue and how they react in wind. Right now, one hunter each year gets the chance to shoot a bull moose in the Roaring Fork River valley, in Game Management Unit 43, which includes lands from Aspen to Glenwood Springs on the southeast side of Colorado 82. That’s far from the case today. Traveling in herds across open tundra and low-lying valleys, Elk are routinely considered the main wildlife attraction. Moose in Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of the park. Watching these enormous animals move is captivating. Moose aren't the most eloquent creatures, but they sure are cool. Moose and Red Wing Blackbird at Sprague Lake on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Moose are more likely to live in riparian (areas located along rivers, streams, and lakes) habitats with willows, which is their primary food source. Hike three uncrowded trails in Rocky Mountain National Park: Sky Pond, Moraine Park to Bear Lake, and the Tonahutu Creek/North Inlet Loop. Moose can be found in sagebrush, high in the mountains above timberline, as well in the more traditional willow, aspen, pine, and beaver pond-type habitats. Cows give birth in May and June. Size - Colorado’s Shiras moose (Alces alces shirasi) are Colorado’s largest big game animal with adults weighing 800 to 1,200 pounds. Their legs seem too long for their bodies. Rangers suggest heading up the Kawuneeche Valley and also the Colorado River near Timber Creek Campground on the west side of the park. Author David Petersen spent years researching grizzlies in Colorado … Although fewer in number on the east side and rarer to see, moose can sometimes be found in the marshy areas around Sprague Lake and Cub Lake. She specializes in writing inspiring national park travelogues, foodie adventures and personal, heartfelt stories of people who shape our culture. Rattlesnake. Coloring - Their rumps are brown, not white or cream colored as found in deer, elk, or pronghorn. Moose have long legs, which allow them to traverse deep winter snows and thick willow habitat types. There are moose-themed crafts for kiddos and if you feel like a hike, tag along with a wildlife guide. Colorado’s moose population now approaches 3,000 animals statewide. Alaska-Yukon bulls are the heavyweights of the moose hunting world. Only have 48 hours? A personalized guide to help you decide where to spend the night, from car camping paradise and remote backcountry sites to RV heaven. It may be hard to believe, but until 20 years ago hardly anyone ever saw a moose in Colorado, let alone hunted one. Moose can be seen most anywhere in the park. While moose were historically spotted in the state, dating back to the 1800s, there was for many years no established moose population in Colorado, with the … Visitors see moose fairly frequently along Highway 34 in the Kawuneeche Valley. © 2021 Pocket Outdoor Media Inc. All Rights Reserved, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, Restaurants, Dining, Breweries, & Distilleries. As soon as an animal begins changing its behavior in reaction to you, you’re too close. When viewing Colorado moose on a jeep tour near Vail, it’s important to listen to your guide’s safety instructions. Tori Peglar is Co-Brand and Content Director of National Park Trips. In spite of their size, they often go unnoticed as they spend a great deal of time in heavy, dark cover in willow bottoms and forests. Since moose on a whole don't have the best eyesight it is imperative you do not approach them. Bulls stand up to 6 feet at the shoulder. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. In 1978, Colorado wildlife managers arranged for the first transplant of 12 moose to Colorado’s North Park region near Walden. This depends on food availability and harassment. What you should do if wildlife gets too close, ​​​Moose Reintroduction Fact Sheet, November 2013. Another great spot is along the Colorado River up by Lulu City, also on the west side of the park. In 1978, Colorado Parks and Wildlife first introduced 12 moose from Utah to the area west of the Never Summer Mountains near the town of Walden. Though a bit of a hike, moose are known to graze here and the seasonal springtime wildflowers are spectacular. Biologists think moose might have been expanding their ranges slowly southward and may have established themselves in Colorado on their own. Tags in Colorado are extremely difficult to draw and with the increase in Moose populations in this region, there are some giant bulls that inhabit the area. Moose are primarily found on the west side of the park, but they are occasionally spotted in wet areas on the east side as well. Moose are known to return to a favorite feeding ground with surprising regularity each year which makes it easier for rangers to predict where they will be. Moose live in all the areas in the North Park Region, so we will hunt them from the valley floor up to the tree line in the surrounding mountain ranges. Mule deer have rope-like tails, evenly forked antlers and large ears. Between 1991 and 1992 about 100 moose from Wyoming, Utah, and North Park were released in southern Colorado near Creede. Photo by David Dietrich. If you do happen to see a moose make sure to remember they are wild and unpredictable. (Via Colorado Parks and Wildlife Twitter) We can only assume it was a traumatic day for one unsuspecting moose. It's relatively rare to see a moose in Colorado; most of those animals in Estes Park are elk, but you can find moose there sometimes. In 1987 a transplant of 12 moose from Wyoming helped establish a strong population in that valley as well. Visitors should remember that Trail Ridge Road is closed during the winter/spring season, so to get to the west side of the park from Estes Park, you will need to go around the south side of the park to get to Grand Lake. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. There are two species of deer in Colorado- mule deer and white-tailed deer. Their numbers have grown so dramatically that limited hunting is offered in North Park, Middle Park and the Laramie River area. It is not rare to see a cow traveling with her mate or calf close behind. Wildlife managers and biologists, however, decided to give the moose a boost in the right direction. Following the moose of Silverton, Colorado. In 1979, another 12 from Wyoming were released in the same region in the Illinois River drainage. Learn how Colorado Parks and Wildlife tracks not only moose, but other wildlife in the area through the use of remote collars. Take a scenic drive from Echo Lake near Idaho Springs on the 28-mile Mount Evans Scenic Byway and you’re… In Colorado, moose are most often found in North Park, near Walden, which bills itself as the "Moose Viewing Capital of Colorado." The nativity of moose in Colorado is a subject of debate. Their thick, dark brown coat appears black at a distance, and enables them to stay warm in the coldest winters. Until the late 1970s, moose were rare in Colorado. Start looking along Trail Ridge Road from the Colorado River Trailhead all the way to Grand Lake. These animals were likely young bulls that had dispersed from established herds in Utah and Wyoming. “There are no grizzlies in Colorado or the South San Juans,” Joe Lewandowski with the CPW said in an email. Antlers - Bull moose grow flattened, palmated antlers with points around the edge, reaching up to 5 feet wide in larger and older bulls. They also do well in drier habitats of oakbrush, mountain mahogany, aspen and sagebrush. Colorado’s multiplying moose stand out at a time when the species is dwindling elsewhere. Nearby Hotels. Make the most of your time by following our itinerary covering both sides of the park. Be SMART! It may be hard to believe, but until 20 years ago hardly anyone ever saw a moose in Colorado, let alone hunted one. Today, you’ll share the area with deer, elk and moose as well as birds of prey. 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