On Tuesday, a person walking two leashed dogs on Little Vasquez Road, just west of Winter Park, was charged and kicked by a cow moose, suffering serious injuries to the chest and arms that required hospitalization. During the attack, the walker reportedly dropped the dogs' leashes, and the animals took off. Trailhead signs in the area had already warned visitors that moose were active nearby.
What officials say
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers told KDVR that the cow moose charged the walker and kicked them several times before focusing on the dogs. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, rescuers searched the area after the attack but were "not able to locate the moose and her yearling." The agency says signs had been posted at the Little Vasquez trailhead warning of recent moose activity.
Safety guidance from Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Colorado Parks and Wildlife advises people to give moose plenty of space, avoid trying to haze or scare them away, and to get behind large objects such as trees or boulders if an animal charges. The agency recommends keeping dogs on a short leash near riparian areas or willow habitat, and turning around or leaving immediately if a calf is visible. CPW notes that cow moose can be especially aggressive during calving season as they defend their young.
Why dogs can provoke moose
Moose often move along willow-lined creek corridors, the same scenic routes where many people like to walk their dogs. That overlap means a barking or approaching dog can easily trigger a defensive reaction from a cow moose that sees canines as a threat. In Tuesday's incident, the cow moose reportedly charged the dogs first, then attacked the person after the animals ran back toward their owner, authorities told KDVR. Keeping pets close and steering clear of dense willow stands lowers the odds of an encounter turning dangerous.
Little Vasquez Road context
Little Vasquez Road climbs through classic moose habitat west of Winter Park, with brushy willows and creekside corridors that the animals favor. Colorado Parks and Wildlife says encounters in that area, while not everyday events, do occur often enough that visitors should stay alert, especially in spring and early summer when cow moose have calves and may act more aggressively. Local trail signs and recent reports serve as a reminder that anyone heading into the backcountry needs to be ready to encounter wildlife and give animals a wide berth.
How to stay safe
If you run into a moose, CPW advises backing away slowly, putting a large object such as a tree, boulder, or vehicle between you and the animal, and leaving the area immediately if you spot a calf. Keep dogs on short leashes, avoid thick willow patches where visibility is low, and report aggressive or injured animals to local authorities so wildlife managers can respond. Anyone with information about Tuesday's attack is asked to contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife or local law enforcement.
