WINTER PARK, Colo. (KDVR) – Visitors in the Colorado high country witnessed several moose sightings over the weekend — with one animal hitting the slopes in Winter Park on Saturday afternoon.

“Wildlife call Winter Park home, so they are around, and they wander onto the slopes occasionally and make an appearance,” said Jen Miller, a spokesperson with Winter Park Resort.

Miller said the moose sighting on Saturday afternoon isn’t the first, and it likely won’t be the last. But when it happens, they’re prepared.

“Ski patrol is alerted. They will monitor the trail or the lift, and they will close it down to protect both people and the animals, to let them wander off on their own,” Miller said.

It’s unclear whether the area’s recent moose sightings are related, or whether they concern some of the same animals. But sightings aren’t that rare, and it’s important to know how to react, a representative for Colorado Parks and Wildlife told NewsNation affiliate KDVR.

What to do if you see a moose

Despite their often docile behavior, moose can be dangerous if agitated, said Rachael Gonzales, a public information officer with CPW.

“You’re going to look at its body language. Is it pointing its ears? Is it licking, chomping at its lips? And those little heckles on the back of its neck are going to stand up,” Gonzales said. “Also, if it’s pacing back and forth.”

She advises that anyone recreating in the backcountry to pay attention to these signs and always admire these animals from afar.  

If a moose does display aggressive behavior or begins to charge, Gonzales said people are advised to start running as fast as possible, while making it difficult for the moose to follow by keeping large objects in its path, like a boulder, a car or a tree. If you’re out with a pet, CPW recommends keeping them leashed.

“If you see one and you have the ability to snap a photo from a distance, great. But if you don’t, again, your safety is not worth a viral photo,” Gonzales said.