Moose seen wandering in Garden of the Gods

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — A moose was spotted by a FOX21 News viewer walking around Garden of the Gods on Wednesday, June 19. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) said the moose was likely looking for territory to call home.

FOX21 shared the video with CPW who said the moose is likely a young bull (male) searching for some territory to call home, not occupied by another bull.

CPW said one or two moose wander into town each year, from the Air Force Academy to Fort Carson and everywhere in between. CPW keeps an eye on moose when they are in town and will make a decision based on what is best for the animal, and considers human health and safety in that decision.

“We do not immediately look to relocate them since immobilizing an animal causes it stress and does have a level of risk. Often, the moose is just passing through and will head back into the forest on its own,” said CPW Area Wildlife Manager Tim Kroening.

CPW said moose have very few predators in the wild and as such do not fear humans. However, cows (female) moose are very protective of their young and can be dangerous if approached or caught off guard. Bulls are also aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding season.

CPW warns that it is very important to understand moose behavior when living in or visiting the areas they inhabit:

• Signs of moose aggression include laid-back ears, raised hairs on the neck, and licking of the snout
• Avoid animals that are behaving belligerently or abnormally.​
• Keep pets away, as moose can get quite aggressive around them. Be especially cautious when walking dogs.
• ​If a moose displays aggressive behavior or begins to charge, run as fast as you can and try to put a large object between you such as a boulder, car, or tree.

More information can be found on CPW’s website.

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