Moose, the largest members of the deer family, are striking ungulates known for their imposing size and distinctive broad, palmate antlers in males. These herbivores can stand up to 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh over 1,000 pounds. Their diet primarily consists of leaves, bark, and twigs from trees and shrubs, particularly willow, aspen, and fir. Moose typically inhabit cooler, temperate forested areas, often near lakes and marshes.
Historical Presence of Moose in Colorado
Prior to modern reintroduction programs, moose were not considered a native or established breeding species in Colorado. Historical records from the 1850s indicate that individual moose occasionally wandered into northern Colorado from Wyoming. These animals were transient visitors and did not form stable, self-sustaining populations within the state. Evidence suggests these were primarily young bull moose dispersing from established herds in neighboring states.
While early settlers and miners reported sightings and occasional harvests of individual moose, these instances did not signify a resident breeding presence. The modern presence of moose in Colorado is largely a result of targeted conservation and reintroduction initiatives.
Planned Reintroduction Efforts
The formal reintroduction of moose to Colorado began in the late 1970s, following considerations by wildlife officials in the 1950s. The Colorado Division of Wildlife, now Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), collaborated with federal agencies and local communities to select North Park near Walden as the initial release site. This area was identified for its suitable habitat, including abundant willow, fir, and aspen, and a lack of natural predators like wolves and grizzly bears.
The first significant translocation occurred in 1978, when 24 moose were moved from Utah and Wyoming to Colorado’s North Park region. An additional 12 moose from Wyoming were released in North Park in 1979. Subsequent reintroduction efforts aimed to establish populations in other parts of the state. In 1987, 12 moose from Wyoming were transplanted to the Laramie River Valley in northwestern Larimer County.
Further reintroductions included:
- 1991-1993: 93 moose from Wyoming, Utah, and North Park moved to the Upper Rio Grande River Valley near Creede.
- 2005-2007: 91 moose from Utah introduced to the Grand Mesa National Forest near Grand Junction.
- 2009-2010: 39 moose (19 from Utah, 20 from North Park) released into the White River National Forest.
These efforts established the foundation for Colorado’s current moose population.
Growth and Distribution of Colorado’s Moose Population
The reintroduction programs have been highly successful, leading to a significant increase in Colorado’s moose population. By 1988, the statewide moose population was estimated at approximately 250 animals, with 170 in North Park alone. By 2012, the breeding population had grown to about 2,300 moose across Colorado.
Moose have since expanded their range to include most of the mountainous regions of Colorado, including areas along the Front Range. Major concentrations are now found in North Park and on the Grand Mesa, with sightings extending to areas like Golden, Boulder, and Colorado Springs. Between 2015 and 2021, the state’s moose population continued its upward trajectory, increasing from 2,500 to approximately 3,500 animals.