Moose With Her Calves Charges At Colorado Man, Kills Dog In Wild Attack

A cow moose with calves attacked a Colorado man and his two dogs Monday, injuring one of the dogs so badly it had to be euthanized, authorities said Wednesday.

The man was guiding his dogs back into his house near the South Meadows Campground in Teller County when the defensive moose chased and knocked down the man in the Memorial Day attack, according to a news release from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The man hid under a car, escaping the attack, but observed the moose stomp on his dogs. The moose also had charged at the man’s wife Sunday, but she escaped into the house, the CPW added.

One of the two dogs had to be put down while the other was placed under observation, according to the news release.

CPW said they arrived to find the moose and its calves retreating into their remote habitat, and so could not sedate and relocate the animals. They said they posted signs warning people of the moose.

“This cow moose was exhibiting classic protective behavior of its calves,” said Travis Sauder, CPW assistant area wildlife manager.

The moose population in Colorado — and particularly in Teller County — is growing, from about 2,250 in 2013 to about 3,600 in 2025, the CPW said. Colorado’s human population is also growing, increasing the likelihood of run-ins between humans and moose, warranting precautions. (RELATED: ‘Blood Throughout’: Cops Forced To Smash Window Due To Large Animal ‘Thrashing Around’ In Senior’s Home, Video Shows)

“This incident is a reminder of why we warn everyone to respect wildlife and give them their space,” said Sauder. “We know Colorado residents love their dogs. But it’s important to understand that moose see dogs as predators and react in defense of themselves and their young.”

“Be sure to give wildlife extra space, especially when they are raising their young. And it is always best to keep dogs on leashes or in a fenced area to reduce the chances of an incident with wildlife,” Sauder added in the news release.

Hikers should avoid willow thickets in wetlands, which is where moose and their calves — born sometime between May’s end and mid-June — often graze or rest, the CPW advised.

Tourists and residents should observe the “rule of thumb” if watching or photographing wildlife. The “rule of thumb” entails keeping a distance from any wild animal such that the animal under observation is not larger than the person’s thumb, according to the CPW.

People should also avoid feeding wildlife to prevent habituating them to humans. They should scan any given area for possible signs of wildlife before letting out their pets, the CPW advised.