Moose, the largest members of the deer family, are known for their impressive size and distinctive antlers in males. These large mammals are a significant part of Colorado’s wildlife, inhabiting various mountainous regions across the state. The Shiras moose, a smaller subspecies compared to those found in northern latitudes, is the type found in Colorado.
Understanding Colorado’s Moose Population
Colorado is currently home to a growing moose population, estimated between 3,000 and 3,500 animals by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Obtaining an exact count presents challenges, as moose do not gather in large herds and inhabit dense forested areas, making aerial observation difficult. Despite these challenges, wildlife officials are confident the state’s moose herds are expanding.
Where Moose Roam in Colorado
Moose primarily inhabit forested areas near lakes, rivers, and wetlands. They favor environments rich in willow thickets, a main food source, alongside aspen and other brush. While common in riparian zones, they also adapt to sagebrush communities and higher mountain elevations.
North Park, near Walden, is a primary habitat and recognized as the “Moose Viewing Capital of Colorado.” Other areas include the Grand Mesa, the Laramie River Valley in northwestern Larimer County, and the Upper Rio Grande River Valley near Creede. Moose are also sighted in Rocky Mountain National Park (Kawuneeche Valley) and White River National Forest. Occasionally, moose wander into Front Range areas like Golden, Boulder, and Colorado Springs.
Managing Moose Populations
Moose were largely absent from Colorado for much of the 20th century, leading to reintroduction efforts beginning in the late 1970s. In 1978, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) initiated the first transplant, bringing 24 Shiras moose from Utah and Wyoming to North Park. Subsequent transplants introduced more moose to other suitable habitats, including the Laramie River Valley, Grand Mesa, and Upper Rio Grande. The population grew from 250 animals in 1988 to around 2,300 by 2012.
This growth is attributed to abundant habitat and a relatively lower presence of certain predators. However, the increasing population brings management considerations, including potential conflicts with humans. These manifest as vehicle collisions, which increased from four in 2012 to 59 in 2022, and aggressive encounters, especially when moose protect calves or during breeding season.
CPW employs various strategies to monitor and manage moose populations. They develop Herd Management Plans for specific Data Analysis Units, outlining objectives for population size and sex ratios. Regulated hunting is a management tool to control population growth and maintain ecological balance, though licenses are limited. CPW also engages in public education and may use hazing or fencing to mitigate human-wildlife interactions and manage browsing impacts.