Animal attack claims life of 70-year-old; Alaska man killed by moose mother while photographing calves

A 70-year-old Alaska man was killed by a moose on Sunday (May 19). The man, as per reports, wasattempting to photograph two newborn moose calves, when he was attacked by the mother moose, revealed authorities onMonday (May 21). The victim has been identified as Dale Chorman, a resident ofHomer.

A mother protecting her young

According to Austin McDaniel, a spokesperson for the Alaska Department of Public Safety, the incident took place in Homer, where the female moose had recently given birth.

Chorman and another man were looking for the moose.The second man escaped the attack uninjured and has not been identified, reported news agency AP.

"As they were walking through the brush looking for the moose, that's when the cow moose attacked Dale," McDaniel explained.

The exact manner of the attack, whether by kicking, stomping, or both, remains unclear as no one has witnessed the tragic event. Chorman was pronounced dead at the scene, and the moose left the area, Alaska State Troopers said in an online post.

Do not disturb a mother moose, warn authorities

Historically, such attacks, although rare, are not uncommon. In 1995, a moose stomped a 71-year-old man to death on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus. The agitated animal, as per witnesses, was subjected to hours ofharassmentby students, and had then attacked the man who was trying to enter the building.

Alaska is home to an around 200,000 moose, while thehuman population stands around 737,000.

Generally, moose are not aggressive unless provoked. However, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game on it website warns that cow moose are particularly protective of their young and may attack if humans approach too closely.

"Calving season for moose is the time when you definitely want to give them extra space," McDaniel also emphasised.

"Cow moose with calves are going to be some of the more aggressive moose you're going to come in contact with," he said.

He advised people to avoid startling the animals or getting between a mother and her calves.

"Those moose will become unpredictable and work to protect their calves at any cost," he added.

Moose, the largest members of the deer family, can be quite formidable. Even a small adult female can weigh over 350 kg, while a large adult male can weigh up to twice that. They can stand nearly 1.8 metres tall. Given their size and protective nature, encounters with moose, especially during calving season, can be dangerous.

(With inputs from agencies)