Moose On The Loose

Moose on the Loose in Breckenridge

Updated October 16, 2022

There’s something spectacular in Breckenridge and Summit County aside from the weather and scenery- our wildlife! Moose are the largest wildlife species that calls the High Country home, and the one that seems to most often make the headlines in the news. With somewhere between 200-500 moose living in Summit County, sightings and interactions aren’t uncommon. Here's what you “moose” know about the tallest mammals in North America.

Moose sightings in Breckenridge have included stories of mama moose and her calves resting in a neighborhood backyard, running down ski slopes and even casually strolling down Main Street. Moose have been spotted right here on the front porch of the Breckenridge Associates office in the center of downtown Breckenridge. There are also scary stories of moose attacks and near misses.

The best way to encounter moose is safely afar from windows, balconies, overhead in the Gondola, or at a minimum of 25 yards on the ground. These sightings are beautiful and just one of the reasons our residents and visitors love Summit County. We get that “one with nature” feeling.

The most important thing to know is that moose are not afraid of people. Don’t be fooled by their slow movements and mostly sedentary appearance. A moose can turn on a dime and charge at a speed of 35 mph. With their weight of 1000 pounds and height of 6-7 feet, humans and dogs can easily be knocked down and trampled under the strength and weight of an angry moose. These attacks can easily result in severe injury or death.

If you encounter a moose in the distance, wildlife experts recommend using “rule of thumb” by putting your thumb out at arm’s length. If the moose is covered by your thumb, you are at a safe distance. Observe quietly while giving the moose its space and always yield the right of way.

When spotting moose, pay attention to their behavior. If your actions or presence causes the moose to change behavior in any way, you are too close. A moose with ears laid back, hair raised on the shoulders or back, or a moose moving toward you are all signs of aggression and irritation. You should back away for your safety and to be respectful of the moose’s space.

Moose encounters can occur by accident while out recreating on trails or near ponds or lakes. Should a moose suddenly appear around the corner, back away slowly. If the moose charges, move away quickly and attempt to put something large between you and the moose such as a rock or tree. If possible, climb onto something taller than the moose. If trampled by a moose, curl up into a ball protecting your head with your arms and “play dead” until the moose retreats.

Wildlife officials state that most aggressive moose encounters occur in the presence of a dog. This is one the very best reasons to always have your dog on a leash.

Now that the safety talk is complete, how about some fun facts about moose!

1.       Moose reside in 19 states in the U.S. Approximately 2,500 moose live in Colorado. Moose sightings in neighboring New Mexico are very rare with only 5 in the last 10 years.

2.      Moose calves grow quickly and can outrun a human at only 5 days of age.

3.      Because moose favor wetlands, they are jokingly nicknamed swamp donkeys.

4.      Moose can jump as high as 7 feet and are great swimmers. They can close their nostrils and graze underwater.

5.      Mama moose often give birth to twins and occasionally even triplets.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has a great video about moose with even more information.

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