What Do You Do In Utah If You Run Into Bullwinkle?

As summer recreation ramps up across Utah, hikers, mountain bikers, and dog walkers are reminded to be alert for moose, especially in the Wasatch Front and northern parts of the state. Utah is home to an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 moose, often found in forested areas where they graze on aquatic vegetation during warmer months.

Moose will Fight If Threatened

While moose may seem calm and nonthreatening, they are the largest members of the deer family and can weigh between 600 and 1,000 pounds, with bulls standing up to six feet tall at the shoulder. Their sheer size and strength make them potentially dangerous if they feel threatened. In fact, some U.S. wildlife agencies report more annual injuries from moose than from bears.

“In my years of working with wildlife, I have dealt with bears, rattlesnakes, cougars and moose, and the only species that I’ve had turn and come back at me was a moose,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Once-In-A-Lifetime Species Coordinator Rusty Robinson said in a press release. “Because they are not predators, people often underestimate how aggressive moose can be.”

Moose are particularly defensive in late spring and early summer when cows are caring for calves. During the fall breeding season in September, bull moose may also act more aggressively. Dogs pose a significant risk, as moose view them as natural predators. Even a curious or barking dog can provoke a violent reaction, potentially endangering both the animal and its owner.

Read More: Watch Out For Cougars In Utah's Mountains

Warning signs of an agitated moose include lowered head, raised neck hair, snout licking, and ears pinned back. If you encounter a moose, remain calm, speak softly, and slowly back away. Do not run. Always keep dogs leashed and under control—it’s illegal in Utah to let them harass protected wildlife.

In the event of a charge, try to place a solid object, like a tree, between yourself and the animal, or seek shelter in a car or building. If knocked down, curl into a ball and protect your head.

Robinson emphasized the importance of distance: “If you normally hike with your dog, we strongly recommend keeping them leashed when you are in mountain areas with moose.”

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Moose sightings within city limits or populated areas should be reported to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources so the animals can be safely relocated. For more safety information, visit the Wild Aware Utah website.