Video: How do you move a 600-pound moose? Jeffco deputies show how

Morgan Whitley
·2 min read
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DENVER (KDVR) — A curious moose wandered into a Jefferson County yard, and it took several deputies to lift and move the massive creature.

On Friday, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said a meandering moose was peering through windows and taking a break in a south Jeffco yard when deputies and Colorado Parks and Wildlife animal control officers were called.

When deputies arrived, they decided to move the moose back to his home — far away from people.

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So, how exactly do you move a 600 lbs. moose? Well, according to the sheriff’s office, it took eight people to lift and move the moose to a trailer.

A video posted to X shows the moose, who appears to be tranquilized, put on top of a tarp. Then, eight people grab every corner of the tarp and waddle their way over to a trailer.

  • Peeking Jeffco moose
    A curious moose peeks into windows in southern Jefferson County. (Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office)
  • Jeffco moose
    A moose wandered down to southern Jefferson County. (Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office)
  • Lifting a moose
    It took eight people to lift a 600 lbs. moose in Jefferson County. (Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office)

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said the moose was safely transported back to his home.

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, moose are Colorado’s largest big game animal with adults weighing between 800 to 1,200 lbs. Moose like to munch on brush and are often found in areas along rivers, streams and lakes where their primary food source can be found.

However, sometimes they wander down to nearby neighborhoods.

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While seeing a moose is a special experience in Colorado, it’s best to view them from several feet away. CPW said moose are very protective of their young and territory and are known to be very aggressive.

Since 2013, CPW said it is aware of at least 15 moose conflicts resulting in minor to serious human injuries.​ In all but two occurrences, dogs elicited the initial response from the moose.

If you come across a moose while out in the Colorado backcountry, CPW said you should move slowly and not directly toward them. A moose may be showing signs of aggression if the hair on their neck is standing up, if they lick their snout or cock their head, or if they roll their eyes and ears back.

Seeing a moose is a unique sight, just make sure you keep your distance and call your local sheriff’s office if you see one getting too close to homes.

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