A photography outing turned deadly for an Alaskan man when he was charged and kicked to death by a protective mother moose while trying to take pictures of newborn moose calves. The man, Dale Chorman, aged 70, was pronounced dead at the scene, while his companion managed to escape unharmed. Moose are known to be protective of their young, and while they are not typically aggressive, they can become dangerous if humans venture too close. The cow moose, weighing around 800 pounds, employed kicking and stomping in the attack that led to Chorman’s death.
Austin McDaniel of the Alaska Department of Public Safety warned that during moose calving season, it is crucial to give them extra space, especially if they are with their calves. Provoking moose or approaching a cow moose with calves can lead to dangerous outcomes, as was seen in a 1995 incident where a 71-year-old individual was stomped to death after students harassed a cow moose and her calf for hours. Moose attacks are relatively rare in Alaska, with an estimated 5-10 attacks occurring each year, but they are generally not fatal. Collisions with moose on roadways pose a more common and serious threat to humans due to the animals’ large size.
Alaska boasts a considerable moose population of 200,000, making encounters with these massive ungulates relatively common in the state. Moose calving season typically runs from mid-May to mid-June, during which humans are advised to avoid close contact with the animals to prevent dangerous incidents. Despite the risks posed by moose attacks, fatalities are rare, with most encounters resulting in non-life-threatening injuries. The Alaska State Troopers confirmed that the cow moose responsible for Chorman’s death was no longer in the area.
Moose are not known to be particularly aggressive, but they become fiercely protective of their young, especially during calving season. The typically docile animals can turn dangerous if humans provoke or approach them too closely, leading to potentially fatal consequences. While encounters with moose in Alaska are not uncommon due to the large moose population in the state, precautions should be taken to avoid conflicts during calving season. It is essential for individuals to respect the animals’ space and avoid behaviors that may agitate them, such as provoking or harassing them. By maintaining a safe distance and showing respect for wildlife, humans can minimize the risk of dangerous encounters with moose.
