---

• Look for moose sign—large tracks, droppings, browsed willows—along the edges of willow bottoms and aspen or pine forests. It will be evident if moose are present!
• Moose tracks are very large and often show the dewclaws (a rudimentary claw or small hoof not reaching the ground) in snow or mud.
• High spots looking down into drainages afford excellent vantage points for spotting moose.
• Drive slowly along logging roads on national forest lands that parallel drainages.
• Moose sounds are limited to grunting with bulls being the most vocal during the mating season.
• Moose do not herd into large groups as do many species of big game, even in winter. They prefer to travel in small family groups or to remain secluded. They need their space!
• Never approach moose too closely. Watch and photograph from safe distances using telephoto lenses, binoculars and spotting scopes.
• Move slowly and not directly at them. Back off if they exhibit for signs of aggression, such as the hair standing up on their neck, licking their snouts, cocking their head, rolling their eyes and ears back.
• Moose are excellent swimmers and very much at home in the water, which also can be a good time to view them.

---

Moose have very few natural enemies in the wild and, as a result, do not fear humans as much as most other big game species. Moose tolerate a nearby human longer and at closer distances. They are extremely curious and often will approach humans or houses, and even will look into windows. For these reasons, it is extremely important to understand moose behavior when living in or visiting the areas they inhabit. Female moose (cows) are very protective of their young (calves) to the point of being dangerous if approached or caught off guard. Bulls also can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season (rut) in the fall. Some bulls have taken over pastures and injured or killed livestock while defending their territories. Moose have also taken over feed yards and haystacks and will defend them from any and all intruders, whether they’re livestock or human.

These formidable beasts need their space and must be given command and respect when observed in the wild.

• Keep pets away as moose can get quite aggressive around them.
• If threatened by a moose, stay calm; do not run away; talk, make your presence known and slowly back off in direction you came. 
• Avoid animals that are behaving belligerently or abnormally.

While moose encounters with people are quite common, moose actually cause few problems. However, moose have "treed" people who have approached them too closely, have killed or injured pets or livestock and have chased people away from territories they are defending. Caution and common sense go a long way in preventing potential problems with moose.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is liable for damage to crops, forage and fences caused by moose. If moose are causing damage, contact your local CPW officer immediately.

An increasing concern for our Colorado moose and for people is moose on the road. To learn tips on how to drive safely in moose country, read Moose Present Challenge to Motorists.

---

The greatest threat to Colorado’s moose are people. In fact, 15 percent of the state's moose mortality each year comes from illegal kills. Because of their docile demeanor, moose have become common victims of poaching and accidental kills.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has taken extensive precautions to prevent the illegal and accidental killing of moose by deer and elk hunters. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this problem. Accidental moose killings can be prevented, however, if hunters take the time to accurately identify their targets.

CPW research shows Colorado residents kill as many moose by accident as nonresidents, and experienced hunters shoot as many moose as the inexperienced.

• If hunting deer or elk–be sure what you shoot is a deer or elk! (See the Moose vs. Elk video link in 'Helpful Links' to the left.) Hunters should look at several attributes (head, body and antler conformation, color) before pulling the trigger. Moose have a dark, black-brown body with an overhanging snout, a bell on the throat and whitish, gray legs. Elk have a red-brown body, chestnut brown neck, pale yellow rump and slender snout.  
• Every hunter should be equipped with good optics, beyond rifle scopes. Hunters don't often expect to see moose in heavy timber or in open areas. When they do they are tempted to shoot hastily, thinking it is an elk and might get away. Because moose often do not run away from hunters, or are relatively slow in doing so, they end up being shot through carelessness of hunters.

If you shoot a moose accidentally, please do the ethical thing: report it to the nearest CPW office or officer. (The animal should be field dressed immediately to prevent spoilage of the meat.) CPW handles accidental kills that are reported immediately differently than when a hunter leaves the animal in the field and is apprehended by other means. (The fine for illegally killing a moose is $1,370.) If you observe someone, or know of someone, illegally shooting a moose, report it to wildlife authorities immediately. Provide as much information as possible about the circumstances, including the incident location and description or identity of the shooter.

Moose are a valuable asset to the state of Colorado. Credit for this wildlife success story goes to all the hunters who helped pay for wildlife conservation through their hunting and fishing license fees, as well as the Safari Club International and John B. Farley Foundation, which provided the funding to bring moose to Colorado for all of us to observe and enjoy.

---

Emergency and non-emergency problems or questions related to moose should be directed to the nearest Colorado Parks and Wildlife office if during normal Monday-Friday business hours.

Emergencies involving moose, if outside of normal business hours, should be directed to the nearest law enforcement office. (They will be able to contact a wildlife officer if necessary.) Feel free to contact CPW via e-mail if you have other questions or concerns.