Locals became outraged in Lake City after a cow moose with twins calves was killed earlier this month in Hinsdale County.

According to Public Information Officer Joel Lewandowski, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating the shooting of the cow moose, which occurred on Friday, October 4 near the inlet on the south side of Lake San Cristobal near Lake City.

The beloved mother moose (tag #163) left behind two twin calves who were reportedly birthed in May and estimated to be between 1 to 4 months old, according to local residents.

Lake San Cristobal, Colorado’s second-largest natural lake, is surrounded by wildlife including birds, beavers, deer, elk, and moose. The lake was formed nearly 700 years ago when the Slumgullion Slide blocked the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. Here’s a look at where the lake is located on the map.

The comments started pouring in on social media after the news quickly spread about the killing of the town’s beloved mother moose. Colorado-based photographer Michael Underwood says, “those moose brought joy to the thousands of visitors that were lucky enough to see them, and now they are gone, and we have orphans who may not survive the winter.”

Another visitor expressed her frustration over social media stating, “this was a tagged and collared mama with young twin babies (less than a year old) who was shot in a very public and populated place.”

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, poaching is a serious offense that can lead to felony charges, significant fines, jail time, and the permanent loss of hunting and fishing privileges in Colorado and 43 other Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact states.

Colorado is home to one of the fastest-growing moose populations in the nation. It’s estimated that there are more than 3,000 moose in the state.

REMEMBER! Moose, like any wildlife, are wild and dangerous. Always take photos from a safe distance, keep dogs leashed, and never approach a moose or any other wildlife in Colorado. If a moose decides to charge, get behind the nearest tree or boulder. Respect wildlife and avoid dangerous encounters.