Watch out for these signs of moose aggression during calving season

Two separate moose encounters in Colorado have left two residents and two dogs injured.

On June 2, a person was walking their two dogs, both leashed, in the Leland Creek Circle area in Winter Park. According to Rachael Gonzales, a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) public information officer, the individual decided to turn around after seeing a cow moose and her calf. However, the moose saw the person, charged after him, and knocked him down. The moose then proceeded to stomp both dogs.

The individual was able to get the dogs away from the moose and hid behind a nearby home. After the moose left and the individual felt safe enough to leave the hiding spot, he took both dogs to the vet.

Then on June 3, a person was running in the neighborhood along Forest Trail in Winter Park when they were attacked by a cow moose around 8:30 p.m. This person received serious injuries to their upper body, including their head and chest, and was transported to the hospital to receive medical treatment. This person is now at home recovering, according to CPW officials.

CPW staff hopes the pair relocated on their own, but if necessary the two will be relocated.

“It’s important to remember that … this is the time of year female wildlife, including moose, elk, and deer are giving birth to calves,” Gonzales wrote.

CPW warns residents and visitors to be vigilant when recreating outdoors until the end of June. In most cases, female wildlife will hide their young to protect them. However, if a calf is spotted, recreationists should know that its mother is probably nearby, and it’s best to leave the area immediately. 

Officials said dogs should be kept on leashes when outside because animals, such as moose, may perceive them as predators and become aggressive. Keeping dogs on leashes also keeps owners safe. Dogs may try and run back to their owners during dangerous situations, in which the moose will follow to dog, putting the owner in harm’s way.

Signs of moose aggression include laid-back ears, raised hairs on the neck, and licking of the snout. If a moose displays aggressive behavior or begins to charge, individuals should run and try to put a large object between themselves and the moose, such as a boulder, car, or tree, according to CPW.

Individuals who are injured should seek medical attention immediately and call the CPW Hot Sulphur Springs office at 970-725-6200. For after-hours wildlife emergencies, individuals can also contact Colorado State Patrol at 970-824-6501. Reports given to Colorado State Patrol are forwarded to wildlife officers. The sooner incidents are reported, the sooner wildlife officers can be utilized.

This story is from SkyHiNews.com.