Hiker in Colorado hospitalized after encounter with moose

<p>A man from Westerly, Rhode Island, was hiking in Colorado a couple of weeks ago with his wife and son when they encountered a moose and her calf.</p><p>Dean and Rosemary Felicetti were visiting their son Gabriel when they decided to go on a hike, according to reports from WJAR. They visited a lake and had their feet in the water before heading back.</p><p>As they were making their way down the trail to go out for Rosemary's birthday dinner, their son alerted them to the moose ahead.</p><p>Dean stated, "He's like, 'Just don't turn your back. Don't run.'" The family began to back away when a baby moose approached them.</p><p>Dean described the moment as the "scariest moment of their lives" when the mother moose charged at them.</p><p>Rosemary scrambled up the hillside while Dean and Gabriel attempted to fend off the moose. Dean used his trekking pole while Gabriel threw rocks and yelled at the animal.</p><p>During the encounter, the moose kicked Dean in the back before moving on, leaving the family with minor injuries.</p><p>Dean went to the emergency room and was treated for cuts, bruises, and a hoof print on his shirt. The couple expressed understanding of the moose's behavior. Dean said, "We 100% are supportive of the moose's decision as the mom to protect," while Rosemary added, "She was doing her job."</p>