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Moose Calves Euthanized After Mother Struck, Killed

By Matt Kroschel

SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - A moose and her two calves are dead after the cow was struck by a vehicle and then wildlife managers euthanized her two calves.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials told CBS4 the difficult decision to put the two calves down after the wreck was made due to several factors.

Their mother was killed in the crash with the vehicle north of Silverthorne on Hwy. 9 on Sunday evening.

The stretch of road is notorious for animal strikes and several moose have been hit in the same area already this year, according to wildlife managers.

CPW officers say the area where the calves were located is confirmed for chronic wasting disease. Per department policy, the calves could not be removed from that area and taken to another area in Southwestern Colorado where the large mammal rehabilitation center is located.

"It's a very hard decision to make but our wildlife officers felt like it was the most humane option," CPW spokesman Mike Porras said Tuesday.

The collision happened Sunday evening. Drivers are reminded to slow down and be on the lookout for animals crossing roads.

Matt Kroschel covers news throughout Colorado working from the CBS4 Mountain Newsroom. Send story ideas to mrkroschel@cbs.com and connect with him on Twitter @Matt_Kroschel.

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