A routine outing on Lovell Gulch Trail turned chaotic Tuesday when a moose went after a hiker and several dogs in Teller County, Colorado. The run-in unfolded on the popular Woodland Park loop and was caught on video that quickly started circulating online.
Video Shows Tense Close Call
According to CBS News Colorado, the video shows a moose in very close quarters with a person and dogs on the narrow trail. The outlet identifies the location as the Lovell Gulch Trail in Teller County and notes that there were no immediate details on possible injuries or any official response at the scene.
Why Wildlife Officials Are Sounding The Alarm
Colorado Parks and Wildlife reports that moose calving season peaks in late May and early June, a stretch when cow moose are especially aggressive in defending their calves. Encounters that involve dogs can be particularly volatile. Recent reporting around the state has highlighted a string of moose incidents, many involving pets, that have led wildlife authorities to repeat their safety warnings, as covered by KRDO.
Lovell Gulch Trail And Staying Safe Around Moose
Lovell Gulch is a well-trafficked loop in the Pike National Forest just northeast of Woodland Park, known for its shaded singletrack and creekside riparian stretches where moose are a familiar sight, according to trail guides. Authorities and local outlets urge hikers to keep dogs leashed, steer clear of willow-lined areas where moose like to feed, and, if a moose charges, use a large object such as a tree, boulder or vehicle as a barrier while you slowly back away. For route specifics, see Komoot, and for broader coverage of recent moose encounters, see KOAA.
Before You Head Out
Hikers are encouraged to check for any trail notices from Pike National Forest and Colorado Parks and Wildlife before they set out, and to report aggressive or injured wildlife directly to CPW. If you spot a calf, officials say the safest move is to turn around and give the animals a very wide berth. Keeping pets on a leash and making your presence known are among the standard precautions wildlife managers continue to push for anyone sharing the trail with moose.
