Moose carcass near Silverthorne’s North Pond Park will not be removed due to safety concerns

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Rachael Gonzales’ name.

A dead moose carcass near North Pond Park in Silverthorne has been decomposing for weeks after the animal was struck and killed by a vehicle last month, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 

A Silverthorne resident contacted the Summit Daily News in the morning on Monday, May 18, to report seeing a dead moose below the mailboxes near the parking lot at the popular local park. 

Kristina Nayden, Silverthorne communications director, said the town had not previously heard from any residents about the animal but said public works staff confirmed its presence Monday afternoon. 

“We had not heard from community members about this, but we were able to confirm that yes, there is a dead moose in this area,” Nayden wrote in an email. “Our public works team is contacting Colorado Parks and Wildlife to handle this case.”

Rachael Gonzales, public information officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, said the agency knew about the moose last month after a vehicle struck and killed it. Gonzales said wildlife officers determined it unsafe to remove the carcass because it landed in a steep ditch. 

“We are aware of the moose that was hit by a car on April 26,” Gonzales said. “Unfortunately, we will not be able to remove the carcass because it is located at the bottom of a steep hill, making it unsafe for our wildlife officers to access.”

Gonzales said the decision to remove a carcass of a big game animal depends on multiple factors, including whether the animal died naturally or as a result of poaching, where it is located and whether removal can occur safely. When Colorado Parks and Wildlife receives a report of a deceased big game animal, Gonzales said a local wildlife officer always investigates to determine the potential cause of death. 

Gonzales encouraged residents who encounter any deceased big game species to contact their local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office. Summit County residents can contact the Hot Sulphur Springs field office at 970-725-6200. 

For after-hours wildlife emergencies, residents can call Colorado State Patrol at 970-824-6501, and dispatchers will forward reports to wildlife officers. 

Drivers involved in wildlife-vehicle collisions are required to report the incident by dialing *CSP (*277) or calling Colorado State Patrol’s 24-hour headquarters at 303-239-4501.