Snowmobile Joy Rider Chases Moose in Colorado
A video posted on YouTube makes hunting news nation wide! The Video shows a snowmobile chasing a moose on a trail in Grand County, Colo. This prompted the Colorado Division of Wildlife to post warnings about ethics and interacting with moose and other wildlife because this is considered wildlife harassment! This education campaign was aimed at snowmobilers and snowmobile rental companies. Wildlife officials say they are getting call in reports about videos posted on YouTube that show people chasing and harassing moose while riding snowmobiles.
“Moose React Differently” To Humans than Deer or Elk!
Moose don’t see people as threats and they will stand their ground, or possibly attack. “You can’t just ‘shush’ them off a trail”. Moose don’t behave like deer or elk, they do not seem afraid of people and is harassed they may turn and charge you like the video shows. The snowmobile unethically chases the moose at a high rate of speed. At one point, the animal turns around and appears to charge the camera. No one was reported to have been injured, but officials are concerned that behavior like this could lead to injuries or death of moose and snowmobiler’s.
What to do if a Moose Attacks!
If a moose turns on you and attacks, it can be a life-threatening situation. Although moose have shed their antlers by this time of year, their hooves are their primary defense and they will kick and stomp on any perceived threat. If you see a moose put its head down and their ears lay back, it’s a sign that an attack is likely. Put a large object like a tree or large rock between yourself and the moose, and get out of there as soon as you can.
If a moose attacks you, its recommend standing up if you are knocked down, and fighting back. If you have your dog with you, keep it in your control at all times while in the backcountry. Moose do not distinguish dogs from wolves, their primary predator in the wild, and will aggressively attack. Dogs often run to their owners for safety and that can bring an angry, thousand-pound moose into conflict with people.
Snowmobiling is Fun! But Don’t Chase The Animals!!
People need to use ethics and understand that harassing wildlife is dangerous, unethical and against the law. A snowmobile can be an great way to see Colorado’s backcountry, but people need to take some precautions when they encounter wildlife. Also anyone who encounters wildlife to view it from a distance and, “Don’t feed, don’t approach and don’t harass.” In other words, wildlife harassment is against the law, “Use your head and leave them alone”!!
