World Population Review ranks moose as Colorado’s most dangerous animal

Congratulations, Colorado. Of all the toothy, venomous and clawed creatures roaming the Centennial State, the one most likely to ruin your day is a gangly, 1,500-pound herbivore — the moose.

According to a new ranking from World Population Review, moose are the most dangerous animal in Colorado, beating out mountain lions, rattlesnakes and whatever is lurking in your garage at 2 a.m. Colorado shares the moose distinction with Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont — meaning the animal is apparently just as cranky in the Rockies as it is in New England. And before you laugh, consider that a bull moose stands about 6 feet tall at the shoulder, can run 35 miles per hour and has zero interest in your hiking plans.

The full national list reads like a game of “Worst Animal Bingo.” Coyotes top the chart in four states including neighboring Utah. Bears dominate in seven states across multiple confusingly specific subspecies — black bear, American black bear, North American black bear — and snakes claim the crown in a whopping 14 states, from the Timber rattlesnake in Connecticut to the Yellow-bellied sea snake in Hawaii. Meanwhile, Alaska’s most dangerous animal is simply “dogs,” which feels like it deserves its own article.

Bottom line: if you see a moose on the trail this summer, do not approach it, do not try to pet it, and for goodness’ sake, do not try to take a selfie with it. That antler rack is not a prop.