A few nights ago, I was shuffling through my usual routine, letting my old hound dog out before bed. I stepped out my front door and let the dog through, and as I reached down to clasp his leash before opening the gate on our porch something very large caught my attention. I looked over my shoulder and saw three moose — a large cow and two yearlings — bedding down in the grass just outside my fence. My eyes widened and I let out a quick sigh of relief, glad I hadn’t yet opened the gate to let the dog through. We quietly went back inside and snuck out the back door, away from the three intimidating visitors. 

After my dog finished his business, I quietly snuck back out on my front porch to admire these majestic animals that don’t often venture into my neighborhood. I watched their massive, sturdy heads and long, lanky legs move across the grass and nibble on the small aspen trees that line the sidewalk. I went back inside for the night and made sure to inform my neighbors, lest they come around the corner with their own dog to a surprise of three large ungulates taking over the block.

It may come as a surprise, but moose are not actually endemic to our little valley in the Rockies. Moose were first introduced to the area in the late 1970s and have since, much like us, made a comfortable home for themselves here in the High Country.

Now, it’s not uncommon to see them out in the backcountry wandering in the willows or under the gondola meandering in the wetlands of Cucumber Gulch. Every so often, they make their way into town, snacking on leaves by the library or crossing Main Street in the glow of the Christmas lights strung around the trees, looking almost like locals heading home after a night on the town. 

But as exciting as it is to see these wild creatures, whether it’s from the front porch or the side of a trail, it’s important to remember that although they might be our neighbors up here in the Alpine, they aren’t exactly friendly ones. 

Unlike much of the wildlife we may encounter either in the backcountry or close to town — like fox and even black bears — moose are particularly territorial and not particularly afraid of humans. A black bear will likely scram as soon as it sees you, especially if you make noise and make yourself look large. Moose, on the other hand, can be quite territorial and aggressive. They are not afraid of you and they know their large, powerful bodies can trample you in an instant. 

 We’re now right in the middle of the fall mating season — or rut — for moose. Male bull moose can be particularly aggressive during this time. Remember to be on the lookout when out on the trail or in the backcountry, especially in wetlands, meadows and valleys where moose like to linger. If you see a moose at close range, carefully back away and head in the opposite direction in order to give them space and always keep your pets on a leash whether you’re on a long hike or just a stroll through town. Don’t forget to glance around even before walking out your front door, since moose may very well be there bedding down in your yard for the night. These neighbors don’t need your company, so give them space and admire them from a safe distance. 

Stasia Stockwell is a Breckenridge local and avid backcountry skier. A true mountain dweller, she feels most at home in the alpine. Stasia writes primarily for the outdoor adventure realm, with the desire to connect readers from all backgrounds with nature in a meaningful way.