Moose in the winter can seem a bit amusing; for them, however, it is deadly serious. Wildlife watchers may find it odd to see an icicle hanging from a moose’s dewlap (the skin that dangles below the throat)! When the freeze is long and hard, however, they might lose that strange double chin to frostbite!
Moose have been ‘entertaining’ people for hundreds of years. Until recently, they only passed through the northern part of Colorado’s Rockies. In 1978, the Colorado Division of Wildlife began introducing them, eventually establishing breeding populations in north-central and southwestern Colorado.
Today, you can find moose within coniferous forests and next to mountain creeks. During winter, they stay close to water where the willows provide shelter and nourishment. Look for dark spots against the white landscape and markings such as scat, tracks, and large areas of packed down snow.
It’s astounding to watch moose browse for the 11 pounds of food they eat each day in wintertime. The long legs of moose act like stilts, keeping their 600 to 1,000 pound bodies above the snow. They dig through drifts to expose scrumptious vegetation.
During most seasons, you’ll see moose traveling alone. But, when it’s frosty out, look for groups of moose (herds) that congregate to stomp down deep snow and create pathways to food. Working together reduces the amount of energy expended by each animal.
Moose also conserve energy by moving slowly and carefully. However, moose are not always as docile as they appear. Beware if you hear a roar or snort of an irritated moose as this is a sign of aggression! They can use their speed, power, and strength to intimidate and chase humans that seem to pose a threat.
Bring your binoculars and watch our moose from a safe distance. They might just do something to amaze!