Gould Moose Festival celebrates all things moose

Colorado Parks and Wildlife will be hosting the Colorado State Forest Moose Festival, Saturday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at State Forest State Park in Gould — near the site of the state’s first moose relocations in 1978. Everyone that admires the charismatic ungulates are invited to the daylong festival of all things moose.

The celebration comes on the heels of the Grand Mesa Moose Day, held in late July near Grand Junction since 2009. CPW officials say that as moose populations grow across the state, it is important to provide venues like these for the public to learn more about the species. Both moose festivals include fun and fascinating topics about moose biology, behavior, habitat and how to watch them safely.

“The day is jam-packed with activities for everyone,” said Park Manager Joe Brand. “This is a great way to wrap-up the summer, not only enjoying one of the most scenic state parks, but in celebration of an animal that is becoming an iconic species in Colorado.”

During the day-long event, CPW personnel will lead a variety of fun programs and events, including hay rides, scavenger hunts, moose talks, and even fly-fishing lessons. Brats and burgers will be on sale during the event.

Brand says a substantial number of moose make themselves at home in State Forest State Park. The area in and around the park is known as a prime watching area, with many visitors travelling to the park specifically for a chance to see a moose in the wild.

“Our moose here, as they are across the state, are doing very well,” he said. “We felt it was time to provide the public with a fun way to learn more about them, and have a great time doing it.”

Wildlife managers estimate there are now over 2,400 moose statewide. North Park’s population is hovering near its upper objective of 600 moose, set by CPW. In other areas of Colorado, primarily in the state’s northwest region, populations are expanding quickly with a few moose appearing in places where they were previously not seen.

“We now frequently see media reports of moose showing up in some cities and towns, parks, campgrounds and a few popular tourist destinations across Colorado,” said Watchable Wildlife Coordinator Trina Romero of CPW. “That’s a very good thing, but with that comes the responsibility of learning how to react if you see a moose, whether your are out hiking with your dog, or in your backyard.”

CPW officials conduct broad, public-outreach campaigns to urge people to be cautious around wildlife, especially moose. They remind dog owners that when a moose sees a dog, they treat it like its primary predator, the wolf, and will aggressively try to stomp on the dog and possibly the owner as well.

Romero reminds the public that moose should always be viewed from a distance, ideally with a camera with a telephoto lens, binoculars or a viewing scope. She advises that keeping your dog on a leash protects you, the dog, and the moose.

“Part of being a citizen of Colorado should include learning about wildlife, how it is managed and how to watch it without causing harm to yourself, or the animal,” says Romero. “We understand that people enjoy taking their pets outdoors, but it is critical that they remain on a leash at all times. Dogs are one of the leading causes of conflicts involving humans and wildlife, sometimes ending up with one or more involved being injured.”

Romero and other staff from Colorado Parks and Wildlife will be at the event to answer questions, provide information and have a great time with anyone that wants to learn more about moose.

The event is free; however, a $7 daily pass, or annual pass is required to enter the park.

State Forest State Park is located along the Medicine Bow Range in North Park. From Fort Collins, take Highway 287, then west on Highway 14. From Steamboat Springs, take Highway 40 and turn north on Highway 14 to Walden, then travel east on Highway 14, through Gould to the Park’s Moose Visitor Center at 56750 Highway 14.

Who: State Forest State Park
What: 1st Annual Colorado State Forest Moose Festival
When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Where: State Forest State Park – 56750 Highway 14, approximately 22 miles east of Walden.

For more information about the moose in Colorado, visit cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/LivingwithWildlifeMoose.aspx