Grand Mesa Moose Day
OutdoorHub 07.14.11
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- Moose populations are growing throughout Colorado, and people who want to learn more about these magnificent ungulates are invited to attend the 2nd Annual Grand Mesa Moose day to be held Saturday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the US Forest Service Visitor Center atop the Grand Mesa near Grand Junction.
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife event features kid-friendly activities and giveaways throughout the day, and will include moose viewing tips, presentations about moose biology and history, information about how biologists transplant and track moose and a puppet show. Kids can earn a prize for going on a hike with a wildlife officer to look for signs and evidence of moose activity.
“As their population continues to grow in Colorado, people’s interest has increased as well,” said Parks and Wildlife Watchable Wildlife Coordinator Trina Romero. “Moose sightings can be a great experience and we encourage people to learn more about them and how to watch them safely.”
The successful introduction of moose to the Grand Mesa in 2005 by wildlife managers has resulted in a stable and growing population, and current estimates indicate there are between 200 and 250 moose in this area.
The free event will be held on the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flattop mountain, and the site of one of Colorado’s most recent moose relocations. It is located east of Grand Junction, and the US Forest Service Visitor Center is located at the top. Take Highway 65 from I-70 by Plateau Creek or from Highway 50 near the town of Delta, and follow it up to the event. Moose are common in this area, and you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a moose on your drive up to the event.
Grand Mesa Moose Day sponsors include the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, US Forest Service, The Moose 100.7, the Grand Mesa Scenic & Historic Byway and Cabela’s.
For more information about moose on the Grand Mesa, go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/Profiles/Mammals/MooseReintroductionProgram.htm
