Moose Kicks Hoof-Shaped Laceration Into Man’s Head

@hys19 / UnSplash

A hiker from New Mexico was running down a wilderness trail recently in Colorado when he was charged and kicked in the back of the head by an aggressive moose.

Wildlife officials of Winter Park, Colorado said that the man was running with his two dogs off their leashes in the park.

The dogs had run up ahead of him and while he was catching up to them, he noticed they were running as fast as they could towards him. When the dogs got to him, they didn’t stop. They continued running past him, scared with their tales tucked between their legs.

According to Idaho Statesman, District Wildlife Manager, Serena Rocksund, said, “He stopped and saw the moose at 50 feet. At that point, the dogs ran past him and left the scene.”

Instead of running with his beloved companions, the man mistakenly took more steps towards the moose. The 7-foot-tall, 1400lb animal defensively charged at him because it felt he was too far into its territory.

The moose kicked the man in the back of the head and, fortunately, he was able to escape and get back to a vehicle where he could be taken to the hospital. Doctors said that he received minor injuries from the moose and was released from the hospital the same day.

Park officials said, “He’s very lucky that his only injury is a hoof print-shaped laceration on the back of his head.”

Wildlife authorities said that since 2013, there have been 15 moose conflicts in the park and the one common denominator is they all included dogs.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife said that it’s best to keep your pets on a leash to avoid unnecessary interactions with wildlife. Because, unfortunately, if any wildlife causes harm to humans, the park is ordered to have the animal euthanized.

“The most important thing is to try and remove yourself from a situation if possible. Moose give clear signs of aggravation. Those signs include laid-back ears, raised hair on the neck, and may start licking its snout. If a moose is displaying signs of aggression, the best thing to do is run. Fast. And mind your pets when in a moose environment,” Idaho Statesman said.