A young moose is on the loose in Fraser
Sue Castellion of Grand Adventure Balloon Tours encourages folks to give space
Susan Castellion/Courtesy photo
Sue Castellion of Grand Adventure Balloon Tours in Fraser has a love for wildlife. Those who take balloon tours with the company can spot Rocky Mountain animals throughout the Fraser Valley, including foxes, elk and moose. On a ride through the clouds, people can safely view these amazing creatures from a very safe distance.
But on the ground, spotting a moose can sometimes lead to unsafe encounters. Currently, a young bull moose that Castellion has nicknamed “Little Jimmy” is making the rounds throughout Fraser Valley including the Meadow Ridge and Winter Park Ranch neighborhoods.
Castellion encourages community members to stay aware and keep their distance from moose, especially if they are walking dogs. To moose, dogs seem like wolves, which are a threat. Castellion encourages people to “coexist because we are in their space.”
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has a variety of advice for safely coexisting with wildlife like moose.
Moose calves are born from mid-May through early June and female moose are very protective of their young during this time. Calves stay with their mothers for about a year.
Moose can often be seen foraging in areas with thick willows and riparian areas. They are more likely to be aggressive to people with dogs, so dog owners are encouraged to keep their dogs on leash to avoid startling moose, and to avoid moose habitat while recreating.
Laid back ears, raised hairs on the neck, lowered head, swaying back and forth, licking of the snout, cocking of the head, and rolling eyes and ears back are all signs of aggression from moose. When a moose begins displaying these aggressive behaviors or begins to charge, people should run as fast as possible and try to put a large object between themselves and the animal.
Moose exhibiting dangerous behavior towards people should be reported to Colorado Parks and Wildlife at CPW.state.co.us/contact-us.
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