Moose Etiquette, What to Do If You Meet A Colorado Moose
It's not just every day you meet up with a wild moose in Colorado, but, if and when you do, it's a good idea to know what to do. Here's a look at some proper moose etiquette.
While you're not going to meet up with a moose as you are driving down North Avenue, or walking the loop at Sherwood Park, but if you are snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing on the Grand Mesa, it's actually very possible you could have a moose encounter.
Perhaps, you lay awake at night wondering exactly what you should do if you come to face-to-face with a moose. If that's the case, get ready for a good night's rest because I'm going to share with you some of the finer points of moose etiquette.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife tells us that moose are naturally curious so they may approach humans, but, that gesture should not be interpreted as a sign of friendliness. Female moose are very protective of their young, and male moose can be very aggressive, especially during the mating season.
- How can you tell if a moose is irritated?Laid back ears, raised hairs on the neck, and licking of the snout are all signs that the moose is feeling a little grumpy.
- You should avoid animals that are acting strangely.
- If you have your dog with you, it's best to keep the dog at a distant because moose can be very aggressive with other animals.
- If you are feeling threatened by a moose, don't take off running. Talk calmly, make your presence known, and slowly back away.
- Should you find yourself being charged by a moose, by all means, run as fast as you can, and try to get a large object like a rock, tree, or car between you and the moose.
Apparently moose encounters with people are fairly common, and usually. there is no problem. But, a little moose etiquette could go a long way toward a happy ending.