Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is investigating a moose attack that occurred in Coal Creek Canyon on a Monday morning. The incident involved a man in his late 50s who was walking his dogs along Coal Creek near Hummingbird Lane.
As the man turned a corner on the trail, he unexpectedly came across a cow moose and her calf. Startled, the moose charged at the man, knocking him down and repeatedly stomping on him.
Thankfully, the man was prepared and armed. He fired two shots into the ground to startle the moose and drive it away. Both the moose and her calf retreated, and they were not harmed during the incident. The man, however, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Fortunately, his dogs were not injured as they were off-leash at the time.
Looking for the Moose
CPW officers launched a search in Coal Creek Canyon to locate the moose and her calf, but they were not found.
During late spring and early summer, cow moose can be particularly aggressive, especially when they have young calves. They perceive dogs as potential predators or threats, which can lead to confrontations like this one. Calves are typically born between the end of May and mid-June.
Colorado boasts a healthy and thriving moose population, estimated to be around 3,000 statewide. CPW advises hikers to steer clear of thick willow habitat in riparian areas, as moose often use these spots for feeding and resting. Avoiding such areas can significantly reduce the chances of unexpected moose encounters.
Furthermore, CPW strongly recommends that dog owners keep their pets leashed while hiking in areas where moose are known to reside. Additionally, it is essential to give these magnificent animals extra space when encountered on trails.
By following these guidelines and respecting the natural behavior of wildlife, hikers can enjoy their outings safely while preserving the well-being of both themselves and the majestic moose that call Colorado home. You can read the CPW press release by clicking here. Likewise, you can read more Colorado hunting news by clicking here.
