While the Shiras Moose we have here in Colorado may be the smallest of the sub-species, they are massive and not to be trifled with. They can stand up to six feet tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 1,200 pounds. This bull had to be pushing those statistics.
My wife and I found him napping amid the grass and willows of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area soon after dawn one day last month. Very quietly we found a spot where we could sit and observe the gentle giant along with a couple of his buddies.
The peaceful scene however does not change the fact that Moose can be quite aggressive and a great deal of caution needs to be exercised when around them – something which we were keenly aware of.
