Top 5 most-read stories last week

Stories in this list received the most page views on aspentimes.com from May 19-26.

1. Aspen warns of ‘unpredictable’ bull moose in town 

A bull moose that has spent the past three springs in the Rio Grande Park and Roaring Fork River area of Aspen is back in town, and the city of Aspen is cautioning everyone to be extra cautious around the animal.

Lara Xaiz, Aspen’s wildlife coordinator, confirmed the moose has been around for the past three weeks or so. But on Tuesday, May 20, Xaiz witnessed multiple people engaging in dangerous behavior that increased the risk of conflict with what she calls the “unpredictable” species.

That behavior included walking by with earbuds in and approaching the moose at an unsafe distance to get photos. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, moose can cover ground more quickly than most would think — up to 35 miles per hour.

-River Stingray 

2. Basalt announces lineup for free summer concert series 

Basalt has just released the lineup for its 2025 concert series in Basalt River Park. 

The series, which takes place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays from June 18 until Aug. 27, will feature Tommy the Animal, Langhorne Slim, and more. 

-Staff report 

3. Low snowpack leading to an early – and very low- peak runoff for Roaring Fork River 

The central mountains of Colorado, including Aspen, are currently experiencing a snowpack that is only 42% of the seasonal average, a dramatic shortfall that is already producing consequences for river flows, drought conditions, and fire risk across the region.

Meteorologist Kris Sanders with the National Weather Service in Grand Junction confirmed the snowpack is not only low, but melting rapidly.

“We peaked at pretty close to normal — around 80% — but normally we see the snowpack last a little longer,” he said. “It has been melting quicker.”

-Westley Crouch 

4. Female wolf dies in northwest Colorado, marking fourth death of British Columbia wolves this year

One of Colorado’s reintroduced wolves died on Thursday, May 15, in the state’s northwest region. 

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials confirmed on Friday that they received a mortality alert on the female wolf’s collar on Thursday. The agency provided no additional details on the incident or the cause of death. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will conduct the investigation and necropsy to determine what caused its death.  

-Ali Longwell 

5. Rumors grow amid ICE presence in Carbondale 

After an individual was apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Carbondale on Wednesday, growing rumors that areas in Pitkin County were also targeted by the federal agency are false, according to local law enforcement.

Pitkin County Sheriff Michael Buglione said there has been no indication of ICE activity and confirmed that, as a matter of protocol, ICE typically notifies local law enforcement before taking enforcement action in the area.

“I have not heard anything from deputies or any other sheriffs or police chiefs about that,” Buglione told The Aspen Times on Thursday. “There was a rumor yesterday or the day before, but I have no evidence of that whatsoever.” 

-Westley Crouch and Taylor Cramer