ASPEN, Colorado – A section of the East of Aspen Trail near North Star Nature Preserve is closed indefinitely due to aggressive moose in the area, Pitkin County officials announced Tuesday.

According to Pitkin County Open Space and Trails, two female moose, each with a calf, visit the area. A female moose and her calf have been regularly spotted on the East of Aspen Trail, which runs along the preserve.

According to county officials, the cow recently attacked trail users. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, elk are very defensive of their territory and their young.

Open spaces and hiking trails in Pitkin County

The trail is closed between the South Gate parking lot and the North Star put-out. There is also a voluntary closure for paddlers at North Star. County officials said The Beach could be closed if necessary.

“Compliance with the closure is critical to everyone’s safety. We don’t want anything to happen to anyone, including the moose,” said Rick Norman, ranger chief of open space and trails, in a statement.

CPW warns that moose view dogs as predators and will attack them aggressively. Pitkin County officials say dogs should be kept on a leash and as close to their owner as possible.

Visitors and residents of the area should always be aware of their surroundings. If you encounter a moose, remain calm, give it plenty of space, and leave the area in the opposite direction.

Click here for more safety tips when dealing with moose.