Walden's moose came from a 1970s reintroduction in North Park

If you see a moose near Walden, you are looking at the result of a wildlife project. Colorado Parks and Wildlife explains that moose were not a settled, breeding part of the state in modern times. In the late 1970s, state wildlife managers brought moose from Wyoming and Utah and released them in the North Park area to start a population and create new viewing and hunting chances. The animals took to the willows and wet meadows here, and the herd grew.

The effort worked well enough that nearby State Forest State Park is known as the moose viewing capital of Colorado, and many visitors come to North Park hoping to spot one.

Living near moose calls for respect, not fear. Moose are large and can act fast if they feel crowded, especially a cow with a calf or any moose bothered by a loose dog. Keep your distance, keep dogs leashed, and never get between a moose and its calf. Give them room and they usually go about their day.

For moose safety tips and the story of the reintroduction, see Colorado Parks and Wildlife at cpw.state.co.us.