Aaron Berscheid is a district wildlife officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Aaron covers the ìwildî side of Northeast El Paso County, including Black Forest, Falcon, Peyton and Calhan. He also covers some of Elbert County, north of U.S. Highway 24 and south of State Highway 86, including the towns of Elbert, Kiowa, Ramah, Simla, Matheson and a small portion of the Limon area.
In less than a week, two moose found themselves in bad spots in the city of Colorado Springs, requiring my colleagues and I at Colorado Parks and Wildlife to relocate them. One was a cow moose in a busy city park. Another was a bull moose that apparently wanted to enlist in the Army at Fort Carson.In that same week, a third moose was sighted on the west side of State Highway 115. Then, the park-loving cow moose hiked 30 miles down Ute Pass and got into trouble at the city pool in Manitou Springs. Our staff had to dart her again and relocate her even deeper in the mountains.That same day a ìspike bullî ñ- indicating a young adult with only a single prong antler ñ- surfaced in the Broadmoor neighborhood and later in the lake at The Broadmoor resort. We also got calls about yet another cow moose in Stratton Open Space.Black Forest has been no exception to moose sightings and encounters. Often, moose in Black Forest are elusive, reclusive and sightings go unreported because, frankly, moose are amazing animals and people find them endearing and fascinating.There is better moose habitat in the Black Forest area than in downtown Colorado Springs, obviously, so not every sighting in the Black Forest requires a response from CPW. So, why are sightings and encounters up in all of the Springs and in the Forest?It is a good time to tell the story of how CPW restored moose to Colorado and what the future might hold for us and these twig-munching, wetland-loving largest members of the deer species.Historic records dating to the 1850s report moose wandering into northern Colorado from Wyoming. But they were considered transient, and a stable breeding population was never established. Records from the era typically involved hunters sighting or harvesting a single bull moose.In 1978, CPW started reintroducing moose in North Park (Walden area) with 12 from Utah and 12 from Wyoming. Since then, there have been several additional successful reintroductions across the state. Moose have naturally expanded across much of the northwestern part of the state and are expanding to the south and east.†Unlike a lot of states where moose populations are declining, Coloradoís moose population is healthy and increasing. CPW estimates our moose herd statewide is approaching 3,000.The program is so successful that moose are pushing out of the high country and into the Front Range. This yearís moose boom in the Pikes Peak region could become the new normal.Weíve had a few moose in the area for years. More specifically, there was a longtime Black Forest resident moose. Some would tell you it was their well-kept secret moose. Typical life spans of moose in the wild being 10-12 years, I feel there may be more than one resident or offspring from that moose, based on pictures and my own sightings in the Forest.And every few years, a moose will explore Monument and Fountain creeks, causing quite a stir when spotted in downtown Springs.Most of the time, these wandering explorer moose head back west on their own. We prefer not to put hands on them. But on occasion, we have to intervene, as we did when one turned up in the densely populated Ivywild neighborhood in September 2018.Based on an increased number of sightings in town and out on the trails, we believe the moose population is increasing in the Pikes Peak region.You may be wondering why weíve had so many moose coming into the city recently.This time of year, moose are traveling to find new territories and mates. The younger animals are often pushed to travel farther and sometimes find themselves in bad spots with poor moose habitat, such as a park surrounded by busy streets.†So, let me help you get to know these new neighbors. In Colorado we have the smallest subspecies of moose, the Shiras moose. Bulls can be up to 1,000 pounds and 6 feet tall.Moose prefer areas close to lakes, rivers and wetlands where they can feed on aquatic vegetation, willows and aspens. Moose are excellent swimmers, and it is such a memorable moment to see one swim across a lake.While it is exciting to see a moose, it is important to understand that moose can be very dangerous and unpredictable.Here are some tips to keep you safe if you encounter a moose:
- Moose and dogs do not get along: Moose do not differentiate between wolves (their natural predator) and dogs. They will not hesitate to attack a dog. Moose will chase a dog back to its owner, sometimes attacking the owner as well. Keep dogs on a short leash, avoid walking in dense willows/trees, or leave your canine friend at home. I once had a large bull get agitated because it saw my dog while it was looking through a cabin window. They really donít like dogs.
- Signs of an aggressive moose: Ears will be laid back; hair on back will stand up, and it will lick snout.†
- Back away and take cover: If a moose is showing signs it is uncomfortable with your presence, back away. If chased by a moose, run as fast as you can to take cover by placing something like a tree or car between you and the moose.
- Maintain a safe distance: Moose can run up to 35 mph. Keep a safe distance between you and the moose. Moose do not usually yield to people on trails. Give the moose the right away or wait for it to move on.
- DO NOT FEED MOOSE: Not only is this illegal, it draws moose into urban areas and creates a potential dangerous situation.
