{"id":88393,"date":"2026-05-29T07:24:38","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T13:24:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=88393"},"modified":"2026-06-03T10:04:24","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T16:04:24","slug":"wildlife-safety-colorado","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/wildlife-safety-colorado\/","title":{"rendered":"Injuries from moose and elk escalate as moms in the wild protect their calves. How to avoid dangerous encounters with wildlife in Colorado and what to do if you come upon a wild animal."},"content":{"rendered":"
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A female moose with her calf. This mom was keeping an eye on her baby near a stream in Rocky Mountain National Park. A different female moose near the Winter Park Ski Resort recently attacked a person who was walking with two dogs. During calving season, moms in the wild can be aggressive as they seek to protect their young. Wildlife officials encourage people to stay far away from animals in the wild. Keep dogs on leashes since wild animals view them as a threat. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A moose attacked a hiker near Winter Park Ski Resort on May 24<\/a>, and paramedics in Estes Park have assisted three people in recent days after they became injured during encounters with elk.<\/p>\n

Why are these attacks happening now? Simple. It’s calving season in Colorado, and moms in the wild can be aggressive when they’re protecting their newborns or younger offspring.<\/p>\n

Officials with Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported that the person in Winter Park was walking with two dogs on leashes when the hiker encountered a female moose and her yearling. Moose are notorious for becoming aggressive when protecting their calves. The moose charged and kicked the victim multiple times before turning her attention to the dogs. The person was transported to a hospital with serious injuries to the chest and arms.<\/p>\n

In Estes Park, there are plenty of moose, but the fierce protectors in recent days have been elk moms, known as cows. And they can be dangerous too.<\/p>\n

\u201cMany people think of black bears as being an animal you want to avoid since you never want to get between a mom and her cubs, but elk can actually be even more protective of their newborns,\u201d said Guy Beesley, director of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at UCHealth Estes Valley Medical Center<\/a>. \u201cOur EMS team has already responded to three cases this season of people being hurt by elk. Unfortunately, we anticipate more.\u201d<\/p>\n

How to avoid an elk attack during calving season<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It can be easy to miss elk calves in the early days and weeks of their lives. When moms need to venture off to feed, the elk calf beds down into thick cover or behind a structure to stay out of sight and away from any potential threats. In most natural areas, like Rocky Mountain National Park<\/a> near Estes Park or Pike National Forest<\/a> near Colorado Springs<\/a>, the threats are mountain lions<\/a>, black bears<\/a> and coyotes<\/a>. In urban areas, however, the calves will hide behind garages, porches and landscaping, causing unsuspecting people to inadvertently walk near them. That\u2019s when mom will get into a tizzy.<\/p>\n

According to Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation<\/a>, elk calves are born without a scent, and their instinct is to stay motionless, hidden from view to protect them from predators. But if someone walks near that hiding calf, the mom may spring into action.<\/p>\n

There are signs<\/a>, however, that an elk cow has a calf nearby.<\/p>\n

If she is by herself during calving season, chances are good for a calf in the area. It is best to give that cow a wide berth or avoid the area altogether.<\/p>\n

If the cow raises her hackles, pins her ears, curls a lip or stares directly at you, move quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t walk your pets where elk calve,\u201d said Beesley. \u201cPets, especially dogs, are predators in the eyes of an elk, and she will defend her baby. You don\u2019t want to see the EMS, so give the cow space.\u201d<\/p>\n

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A female elk with her calf, so young it still has spots. An elk cow keeps her calf safe. Do not approach animals in the wild, and be especially cautious during calving season when females may become aggressive if people or dogs threaten their babies. Photo by Dawn Wilson, UCHealth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In places like Estes Park, a calf can be found anywhere around town. They have been born in parks, golf courses and near trails around Lake Estes. In particular, avoid willows, wetlands and hidden corners \u2014 all excellent areas for hiding a calf.<\/p>\n

The cows and calves will only be off on their own until the baby is strong enough to keep up with mom \u2013 usually about five days. The pair will rejoin the protection of the herd in about one to two weeks after the calf was born.<\/p>\n

Calving season in Colorado happens after about a nine-month gestation period. The peak time is the last two weeks of May and the first two weeks of June. Cows that conceived later during the fall mating season, however, may give birth as late as the last week of June.<\/p>\n

Enjoy the baby elk but from a distance. Rocky Mountain National Park<\/a> experts advise people to stay at least 75 feet away from elk. Use a long lens to take photos<\/a> and never try to take a selfie with a wild animal.<\/p>\n

Be especially wary of moose in the Colorado mountains \u2014 especially females and their calves<\/strong><\/h2>\n

After the recent moose attack in Winter Park, the person was able to call for help. And officers with Colorado Parks and Wildlife returned to the area later, but they were unable to locate the moose and her yearling.<\/p>\n

The encounter prompted wildlife officials to warn people to give moose plenty of space.<\/p>\n

“Moose tend to inhabit areas near water with abundant willows, their primary food source,” wildlife officials said. “These locations are often beautiful for recreation, but the dense vegetation can make it hard to see what lies ahead. When recreating outdoors, select routes with clear visibility, exercise caution, and make noise when near willows, thick vegetation, or approaching corners. Always respect posted signs warning of aggressive moose behavior or calf activity on trails.”<\/p>\n

Cow moose typically give birth to calves in late spring and early summer. During this time, they can become more aggressive toward perceived threats to their young. Cows will often hide their calves to protect them from predators while remaining nearby. If you spot a calf, it is best to turn back or leave the area, wildlife officials said.<\/p>\n

Most moose conflicts with people happen when dogs are also involved, wildlife officials said.<\/p>\n

Here is wildlife officials’ advice for staying safe:<\/strong><\/h3>\n