A man was hospitalized after being trampled by a moose while walking his dogs in the vicinity of Coal Creek Canyon, as reported by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Located approximately 8 miles southwest of Boulder, Coal Creek became the setting for this unfortunate incident on Monday morning.
The victim, a man in his late-50s, was strolling along Coal Creek near Hummingbird Lane accompanied by his two dogs when the attack took place. The cause of the attack has been attributed to the man startling the moose, who happened to be with her calf at the time. This unexpected encounter led the cow moose to charge and unleash a series of stomps upon the man. The peculiar hairpin turn in the trail prevented the man from spotting the moose until it was too late.
Armed with a firearm, the man discharged two rounds into the ground in an attempt to frighten the moose. This tactic proved successful as both the moose and her calf retreated from the scene unharmed.
Although the man sustained injuries that were not life-threatening, he required hospitalization. Remarkably, the dogs, who were off-leash during the incident, emerged unscathed.
Colorado is home to approximately 3,000 moose since their introduction to the state in the late 1900s. Consequently, encounters with these magnificent creatures are not uncommon and should be approached with caution.
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Moose can exhibit aggression, particularly when protecting their young. Dogs, in particular, tend to draw their attention, highlighting the importance of keeping animals leashed when in moose territory.
If you come across a moose in the wild, it is crucial to give them ample space. In the event of a charging moose, try to position trees and rocks between yourself and the moose’s intended path.