ASPEN, Colo. — Part of a popular trail in Aspen is closed indefinitely after an aggressive moose charged at hikers on the route, Pitkin County said Tuesday.
A portion of the East of Aspen Trail near North Star Nature Preserve is closed in response to the moose incidents, and The Beach could also close if the moose situation warrants it, the county said.
Additionally, the voluntary closure is now in effect for paddlers at North Star. Signs are posted at the South Gate launch site.
Two female moose (cows) and their two calves have frequented the area of the preserve, which runs alongside the trail. The county said one cow and her calf have been spotted regularly on the East of Aspen Trail in particular.
Recently, the county said that cow has charged at people using the trail, which is popular for hikers and paddleboarders looking to float along the Roaring Fork River. The closed section of the trail is between the South Gate parking lot and the North Star takeout point.
Pitkin County Open Space and Trails rangers have been regularly patrolling the area, according to the county.
“Respecting the closure is crucial for everyone's safety. We don’t want harm to come to anyone, including the moose,” said Ranger Supervisor Rick Norman.
The county said its rangers are working with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) on the moose situation.
CPW advised that moose are usually calm animals but they will defend themselves if they feel threatened. The agency reminded trail users that moose do not like dogs. If you're walking your dog, make sure it's on a leash and keep it as close to you as possible.
CPW said if your dog encounters a moose, the moose may become aggressive and try to stomp on your dog. If your dog runs back to you, or you attempt to catch it, you may put yourself at risk of being severely injured.
CPW also encouraged everyone to stay aware of their surroundings – that means leaving your headphones at home.
If you come across a moose, CPW has some tips for how to stay safe:
- Give the moose space.
- Calmly and quickly leave the area in the opposite direction of the moose.
- Recognize signs of moose aggression: laid-back ears, raised hairs on the neck, licking of the snout.
- If the moose appears aggressive or charges you, run as fast as you can and put a large object between you and the moose, like a boulder, car or tree.
- Just because a moose is out of sight, doesn't mean it's gone or that it can't see you.