The Division of Wildlife Resources has a message about the largest animals in the deer family. Moose can be found in northeastern Utah in forested areas as well as along the Wasatch Front and northern Utah. Adult moose in Utah can weigh up to 1,000 pounds and can be dangerous when they feel threatened. “In my years of working with wildlife, I have dealt with bears, rattlesnakes, cougars and moose, and the only species that I’ve had turn and come back at me was a moose,” shares DWR Species Coordinator Rusty Robinson. “Because they are not predators, people often underestimate how aggressive moose can be.” If you encounter a moose: Always give the moose a lot of space. Never try to approach or feed a moose. Keep dogs leashed and under control at all times. Stay calm and do not run away. If a moose charges you or chases you, hide behind something solid (like a tree) or try to get inside a vehicle or building. If a moose knocks you down, curl into a ball, protect your head and lie still until the moose retreats. The cows can be especially defensive when they have calves (typically in late May and early June) while bull moose are more territorial and aggressive during the fall breeding season. For more information, visit wildawareutah.org.
