Weighing up to 1,000 pounds and towering 6 feet high at the shoulder, moose are Colorado’s largest wild mammal. While moose sightings are fairly common today, moose were quite rare in Colorado throughout most of the 20th century. But, thanks to successful reintroduction and management by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Colorado’s moose are now one of the fastest-growing herds in the lower 48 states.
Re-establishing Moose in Colorado
In the late 1970s, moose reintroduction efforts began with 24 moose that were transplanted into Colorado’s North Park area. In 1978, wildlife managers relocated 12 moose from Utah to an area near Walden, Colorado. And in 1979, an additional twelve moose from Wyoming were released into Colorado’s Illinois River drainage. This early population reproduced quickly. And as the moose population continued to grow, moose dispersed to areas around the state that provided suitable habitat.
Guided by Research
Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s researchers study mammal, bird, fish and plant populations with the goals of garnering new knowledge and improving wildlife management and conservation for generations to come. For more information, please visit the Conservation & Management section of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
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