The rising numbers of Colorado moose are leading to more and more conflicts with humans.
After state-run reintroductions to increase hunting and tourism in the state, Coloradans are seeing a large increase in Colorado moose-related issues. Most concerning are recent reports from CDOT noting an increase in moose collisions on I-70. The increase of moose making their way into more human-populated areas and onto major interstates is concerning on multiple levels. Obviously, moose are extremely dangerous. They're easily spooked and highly territorial, so there is a massive concern for human safety in the areas where more moose are popping up. Not only that, but many are concerned for the moose themselves -- wandering onto major highways endangers both their lives and the lives of drivers.
The question of plausible coexistence with wildlife with increasing populations is becoming more and more prevalent. With newly introduced wildlife, migratory patterns are more unpredictable, especially with an animal like the moose, who has little to no fear of human kind. Moose are now being tranquilized left and right for both the animals' and the public's safety.
Increasing moose populations, combined with the increasing human population of Colorado, is proving to be a dangerous mix. The reintroduction began in 1978, when Colorado wildlife managers brought moose from Wyoming and Utah, reintroducing up to 90 animals to areas on Grand Mesa, near Meeker and east of Walden and above Creede. Now, moose are moving more and more eastward than in previous years.
Moose are now appearing in increasingly populated Denver cities, causing CPW to relocate at least nine moose in the past three years. While moose populations are clearly growing and thriving, a cohabitation issue is becoming evident. Young bulls being moved eastward by older male moose are resulting in our large furry friends ending up in places like shopping centers and busy interstates, looking for a new habitat. And with no natural predators (wolves and grizzlies), moose are pretty much free to roam.
It seems the biggest regulator currently is hunting, which was the initial intention of reintroduction in the first place. CPW is a self-funded agency that depends on revenue from hunting to stay operational. According to CPW, in 2016, 23,712 hunters applied for 343 licenses. Hunters kill about 260 moose a year, but populations continue to grow.
Will new regulations with broader numbers be in the future to mitigate moose-y collisions and visits? What do you think?
