Dale Chorman : Moose Attack Kills Man in Alaska: Possible Threat in Washington?

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. “Alaska moose attack”
2. “Moose danger Washington”

A 70-year-old man in Alaska was tragically killed by a moose while trying to photograph her newborn calves. The incident occurred in Homer, where the female moose had recently given birth. The man, Dale Chorman, was attacked by the mother moose as he and another person were looking for them in the brush. The second man escaped unharmed, and authorities are unsure of the exact cause of Chorman’s death. Moose encounters are rare in Washington, where Shiras moose reside. While moose are generally not aggressive, they can become dangerous if provoked. It’s important to give them space and avoid approaching them, especially during mating season or when calves are present.

The Tragic Moose Attack in Alaska

In a devastating turn of events, a 70-year-old Alaska man, Dale Chorman of Homer, was attacked and killed by a female moose while attempting to take photos of two newborn moose calves. The incident occurred on Sunday, May 19, in the town of Homer, Alaska, where the female moose had recently given birth to the calves.

Details of the Attack

According to Austin McDaniel, a spokesperson for the Alaska Department of Public Safety, Chorman and another man were walking through the brush in search of the moose when the cow moose attacked. The second man, who was uninjured, did not witness the attack firsthand, and authorities are unsure of the exact cause of Chorman’s death.

Medics pronounced Chorman dead at the scene, while the cow moose left the area. This tragic incident marks only the second fatal moose attack in Alaska in the last three decades.

Concerns for Public Safety

Cyndi Wardlow, a regional supervisor in the Department of Wildlife Conservation, expressed concern for public safety in light of the attack. While moose encounters are generally rare, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is closely monitoring the situation.

Number of Moose in Washington

Staci Lehman from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife shared that as of 2015, there were an estimated 5,000 moose living in the state of Washington. The majority of these moose are located in the Selkirk Mountains, with smaller populations in other regions of the state.

Comparatively, Alaska boasts up to 200,000 moose, making it a state with a significant moose population despite its lower human population.

Moose Safety in Washington

While moose encounters are generally peaceful in Washington, the increased interaction between humans and moose has led to more sightings in urban areas. The WDFW advises caution when encountering moose and recommends giving them plenty of space to avoid any potential conflicts.

Moose attacks on humans are considered rare, but it is important to treat these animals with respect and caution due to their size and strength.

Caution Around Moose

Both the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife emphasize the importance of caution around moose, especially during the calving season when cows may feel more aggressive. It is essential to give moose plenty of space and avoid provoking them in any way.

If encountering a moose in the wild, it is best to back away slowly and leave the area without causing any disturbance. Additionally, keeping dogs on a leash and quiet can help prevent any unnecessary confrontations with moose.

Remember, moose are classified as “Dangerous Wildlife” for a reason, and it is crucial to respect their space and behaviour to ensure the safety of both humans and animals.