New research from CU Boulder suggests moose roamed Colorado's southern Rocky Mountains centuries before wildlife officials reintroduced them in the late 1970s.

Why it matters: The findings challenge the long-held view that moose are newcomers to Colorado — a distinction that could shape future wildlife management decisions.

Driving the news: A study published in the Journal of Biogeography uncovered archaeological evidence from northwest Colorado that included moose remains dating back thousands of years.

• Researchers also analyzed newspaper and photo archives, archaeological reports, scientific journals and museum collections to map where and when moose lived in Colorado before the mid-1900s.

By the numbers: More than 3,000 moose now live in the state.

• Rocky Mountain National Park, north of Boulder County, is home to at least 240, according to an aerial survey conducted last year.

What we're watching: The findings could sway public opinion on wildlife management in Colorado, where agencies are weighing how to manage growing moose populations and their ecological effects.

• With few natural predators and hefty appetites, moose could reshape wetlands in places like Rocky Mountain National Park.

What's next: All that's left is for the moose to slap some "NATIVE" bumper stickers on their Subarus and start giving out advice on how to drive in the snow.

Spread the moose

Getting a glimpse of a majestic moose in the wilderness is never not cool.

The big picture: More than 3,000 moose call Colorado home, but the territorial and solitary creatures rarely venture into populated areas.

So we compiled a list of where moose sightings are common.

• ⚠️ Caveat: Moose are massive and can be dangerous if provoked or protecting their calves. So think about leaving the dogs at home and keep your distance.

Brainard Lake Recreation Area: Good news — one of the best places to find moose is about an hour west of Boulder.

• Arrive at the park early and check the willow thickets along the shoreline and adjacent meadows.
• There's a $12 fee for vehicles without a National Parks pass, and timed entry is required in the summer.

North Park basin: The moose viewing capital of the state, this area in northern Colorado includes State Forest State Park and the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge.

• State Forest State Park is home to 600 moose and the Moose Visitor Center.
• Pro tip: Check out the Lake Agnes Trail. I've spotted moose quite a bit at the trailhead, and otherwise, the lake is a gorgeous consolation prize.

Rocky Mountain National Park: This park just outside Boulder County is home to more than 200 moose.

• The west side of the park is your best bet. Check out Kawuneeche Valley and the North Inlet Trail near Grand Lake.
• On the east side, check out Sprague Lake and Cub Lake Trail.
• Reminder: You need timed entry to gain access to those areas during peak months.

Maroon Bells: This area just outside Aspen is a tourist hot spot — for people and moose.

• You may have to deal with large crowds, but it's hard to beat that backdrop.

Send us your best moose photos

🏠 With Boulder's aging population expected to grow sharply in the coming decades, the city is pursuing is a home-sharing program in which a senior would rent out a room in their home to a tenant. (Boulder Reporting Lab)

🎓 CU Boulder will lead a statewide survey of 20 Colorado colleges and universities this fall, aiming to inform future state funding and policy decisions to further meet students' basic needs. (Daily Camera 🔑)

Melat Kiros addressed her controversial statements on last year's Pearl Street firebombing, saying in a new interview with CPR's Ryan Warner this week: "I wish I could have conveyed in that moment better the horror and tragedy of what had happened and specifically the impact it had on the Jewish community." (Denverite)

The Boulder County Coroner's Office has identified the man who died last Sunday on Kiener's Route on Longs Peak as Jeffrey Carlin, 41. (Estes Park Trail Gazette 🔑)

CU head coach Deion Sanders said he feels good about his team heading into the season, even if oddsmakers and sports pundits don't.

The big picture: After missing a bowl game last year, Coach Prime enters a crucial season with a revamped roster and staff.

Driving the news: Sanders and several CU players traveled to Texas this week for Big 12 media days.

• In an energetic press conference, Sanders acknowledged that this time last year, he was battling bladder cancer and was wearing extra layers to hide his weight loss.
• "Now I'm here with full strength, full energy. I got that 'thang' back, I got that swagger back, I got that dog back, I got that charisma back," Sanders said.

He praised the team's offseason work, his new coaches and new athletic director Fernando Lovo.

Reality check: "We better win," he said. And we're gonna win ... I love what I got, I love what I see."

What we're watching: The Buffs enter camp as the longest shot to win the conference, and without a player on the preseason all-conference team.

• Sanders' message: "We don't care about what people say ... (The players) know what they gotta do and how they gotta work."

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