Dale Chorman, a nature photographer in Alaska, was fatally attacked by a moose while trying to photograph her newborn twin calves. Chorman knew the risks of taking photos in the wild and died doing what he loved. Despite calls for the moose to be killed, Chorman’s family does not want the animal put down as she was only protecting her calves. Chorman’s friend, Tom Kizzia, witnessed the attack and described how the moose charged at them, with Chorman ending up on the ground with the moose standing over him. Despite efforts to recover his body, there was no evident trampling or signs of trauma visible.
Chorman’s family remembers him as a loving husband, father, and a great friend. He was a carpenter by trade but also had a passion for wildlife photography and was an avid birder and wildlife guide. Chorman’s son, Nate Spence-Chorman, expressed that his father’s death was a result of him pursuing his passion and should not lead to the moose being killed. He stated that his father would have accepted the outcome, understanding the risks involved in his work. The incident occurred on Chorman’s property, where moose typically give birth in spring, highlighting the dangers of interacting with wildlife.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is concerned about public safety following the fatal moose attack. While they normally receive reports of aggressive or unusual moose behavior, they are not actively pursuing the option of putting the moose down at this time. Cyndi Wardlow, a regional supervisor in the Department of Wildlife Conservation, emphasized the importance of being aware of wildlife and one’s surroundings, especially as summer tourists begin to arrive in Alaska. Moose, being the largest deer species, can weigh up to 800 pounds and stand up to 6 feet tall at the shoulder.
This incident marks the second fatal moose attack in Alaska in the last three decades. In 1995, a moose stomped a man to death after being provoked by students throwing snowballs and harassing her calf. Chorman, who hitchhiked to Alaska in the 1980s, was well-traveled and passionate about wildlife, having visited various regions across the world. He met his wife, Dianne, while guiding tours in Alaska and primarily focused on brown bear photography in his professional work. Chorman’s son described how his father could identify birds by their calls alone and was dedicated to educating others about wildlife through his work.
Chorman’s death was a tragic outcome of his passion for nature photography, and his family emphasizes that the moose should not be killed for acting on her natural instinct to protect her calves. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in interacting with wildlife in their natural habitat. Chorman’s legacy lives on through his dedication to wildlife conservation and photography, leaving behind a loving family and friends who remember him for his adventurous spirit and love for the great outdoors. The community mourns the loss of a talented photographer and wildlife enthusiast who met his fate while capturing the beauty of Alaska’s wilderness.
