The History of Moose in RMNP

The present-day story of moose in Rocky Mountain National Park started in 1978. Before 1978, there is some debate if moose were considered residents of the park. We will discuss the debate and learn where the present population came from. We will spend our day exploring various topics such as moose diet, seasonal behavior, predation, impact on willow communities, and radio collaring. We will also discuss the moose’s relationship to other wildlife (such as elk and birds) and why willow communities are dramatically declining. The cause may be a surprise when we discuss the relationship between avian sapsuckers, a fungus, beaver, wildfire, and elk. What does all that have to do with moose? We will discover the answer to this question and discuss the present and future park management of this charismatic species.

CSM credit available

Meets at Trail River Ranch, near Grand Lake

Instructor: Jeff Connor