Aggressive moose prompts closures near North Star Preserve in Aspen

An aggressive moose has prompted an indefinite closure of a trail section near the North Star Nature Preserve in Aspen, according to a Pitkin County news release.

In addition to a portion of the East of Aspen Trail being closed, Pitkin County said the Beach may also be posted closed as warranted, while a voluntary closure has been issued for paddlers at North Star. Signs are posted at the South Gate launch site.

Two female moose, each with a calf, have been frequenting the area. One cow and her calf, in particular, have been spotted regularly on the East of Aspen Trail, which runs alongside the preserve, the release states. Recently, the cow has charged at trail users. The closed section of the trail is between the South Gate parking lot and the North Star takeout. 

Pitkin County Open Space and Trails rangers have been regularly patrolling the area. 

“Respecting the closure is crucial for everyone’s safety,” Ranger Supervisor Rick Norman said in the release. “We don’t want harm to come to anyone, including the moose.”

Open Space and Trails rangers are working with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) on the situation. 

“We’re going to monitor the moose, see what they’re doing, and how their behavior is,” said Rachael Gonzales, Parks and Wildlife Northwest Region public information officer. “Otherwise, that is moose habitat, so we’re going to let them do their thing.”

“The reality is, there are moose all over that area because it is a great habitat for them, so it’s just being mindful and knowing that you are in moose habitat,” she added.

Moose are typically calm and docile animals, but if they feel threatened, they will defend themselves, according to CPW. Moose do not like dogs. It is important to remember to not only keep your dog on a leash but to keep it as close to you as possible. If your dog encounters a moose, the animal may become aggressive and try to stomp on your dog. If your dog runs back to you, or you attempt to catch it, you may put yourself at risk of being severely injured.

CPW also encourages you to leave your headphones at home. While it’s always nice to listen to your favorite playlist or the latest audiobook while enjoying the outdoors, it also makes it difficult to hear what is happening around you, the release states.

If you come across a moose, it is important to give it space. Even if the moose moves into the brush and disappears from view, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s gone or that it can’t still see you. It is best to calmly and quickly leave the area in the opposite direction, the release states. Signs of moose aggression include laid-back ears, raised hairs on the neck, and licking of the snout. If a moose displays this behavior or begins to charge, run as fast as you can and try to put a large object between you and the moose, such as a boulder, car or tree.

“If they feel threatened, they will charge at you,” Gonzales said. “So, it’s paying attention to your area and your surroundings, and keeping an eye out. If you see a moose, remove yourself from the area calmly.” 

Ray K. Erku can be reached at (970) 429-9120 or rerku@aspentimes.com.