10 Facts You May Not Know About Moose on Colorado’s Grand Mesa

The largest moose I've ever seen was crossing Highway 65 on the Grand Mesa near mile-marker 32. It was just passed Mesa Lakes Lodge but before you climb the last stretch of highway up to the Skyway View area.

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I had to snap myself out of being captivated by it as I recalled someone might come around the corner and plow into me from behind since I had nearly stopped to look at it. Did you know there are hundreds of moose on the Grand Mesa? Let's check out some other cool facts you might not know.

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Moose in Colorado

In 2024, some of the largest populations of moose found in Colorado are found near Rocky Mountain National Park, Steamboat Springs, and the mountains around Grand Lake. This wasn't always the case. In fact, before the late 70s, you could hardly find large numbers of moose in the Centennial State. Colorado Encyclopedia tells us wildlife officials brought a dozen moose from Utah to the Walden, Colorado area in 1978-1979. 12 more were brought to the Laramie River Valley in 1987. By 1988, there were more than 250.

Bringing Moose to the Grand Mesa

Around 2005, wildlife officials began sizing up the Grand Mesa as a good habitat for additional moose in Colorado. By 2007, 91 moose began establishing a herd on Grand Mesa. It's believed that the world's largest flattop mountain has enough vegetation to sustain between 300 to 400 of them. Have you ever seen a full-grown bull moose on the Grand Mesa? Hit the message button on our station app and tell us where you saw it.

Give Them Plenty of Space

By the time a moose is five years old, it can outrun a human. Most bull moose are fearless of humans and can be threatening to people if aggravated. Cow moose (females) with calves can be easily aggravated around people and dogs. Be sure to give them plenty of space if you encounter them in areas of the Grand Mesa at sunrise and sunset.

Keep reading to learn 10 facts you may not have known about the moose that live in Colorado and on the Grand Mesa.