Grand Mesa Moose Day Celebrates Wildlife Relocation At Its Best
If you remember when Grand Mesa was mooseless, then you may also remember the excitement of the first moose moving from Utah to a new home in Western Colorado.
The first moose relocation project was in 1978 when wildlife officials brought moose to Colorado's North Park area. However, relocating moose to Grand Mesa didn't start until 2005.
By the end of 2007, a total of 91 moose had been brought across the border from Utah and relocated from other parts of Colorado. Over the last decade, the estimated moose population on Grand Mesa has grown to more than 400.
This year's Grand Mesa Moose Day is Saturday, July 29 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Forest Service Grand Mesa Visitor Center just off Highway 65 at the top of the mesa.
Grand Mesa Moose Day events include guided hikes, presentations about moose biology, and how moose on Grand Mesa are transplanted and tracked by wildlife biologists. Activities for children include arts, crafts, and a scavenger hunt.
On the drive along Highway 65 to the event watch closely. You may see a moose or two welcoming you to their home.