Dale Chorman : Beloved Passion: He Died Doing What He Loved

HOMER, Alaska (KTUU/Gray News) – The man tragically killed by a moose in Alaska over the weekend has been identified as Dale Chorman, a well-known wildlife photographer who was aware of the risks involved in his passion, according to his son.

Family members of the 70-year-old Chorman expressed that he passed away while engaging in what he loved most – capturing moments of wildlife through his lens.

The fatal incident occurred on Sunday when Chorman was charged and kicked by a female moose, specifically a cow moose, that had recently given birth.

Prior to the tragic encounter, Chorman managed to capture a few images of the mother moose during the birthing process. Intrigued by the moment, he sought to return with a friend for more photographs.

However, on their second attempt, the cow moose displayed more aggressive behaviour.

Tim Kizzia, a friend of Chorman’s, recounted the harrowing moment, stating, “As they were approaching the area, suddenly the moose came crashing out from wherever it was — they hadn’t seen it — on the attack. They turned to run, and his friend looked back and saw that Dale was already on the ground and the moose was standing over Dale.”

Alaska State Troopers were informed of the incident at 11:52 a.m. on Sunday, reporting that a moose had charged at two men, resulting in one being kicked.

Despite the efforts of first responders, Chorman was pronounced dead at the scene, with the moose having left the area before assistance arrived.

In light of the tragedy, Chorman’s family advocates for the preservation of the moose.

Nathan Chorman, the son of Dale Chorman, conveyed in a statement that the moose was simply protecting her offspring.

“Dale had remarked the previous day that the brush was particularly thick this year — thick enough to get closer than intended, and surprise a wild animal by accident,” Nathan Chorman mentioned in relation to his father.

Moose calving season typically spans from mid-May to mid-June, as outlined by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Wildlife experts advise individuals to be attentive to signs of moose agitation.

Cory Stantorf, a biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, highlighted indicators such as “hackles on the back of their neck standing straight up, the ears pinned back against the head and the moose will start licking their lips” to signify an agitated moose.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game noted that moose may be more irritable this year due to record snowfall impacting their food sources, a factor that Chorman’s family believes he would have comprehended.

“This was not a hapless fool stumbling into danger — this was a person who went out looking for a great photo, knowing the risks, and got caught in a dangerous moment,” Nathan Chorman expressed.

Dale Chorman was revered for his photography skills, cherished as a father, and beloved as a husband.

“I know you’ve all loved his photos over the years. He loved sharing them with you,” Nathan Chorman added.

Read Nathan Chorman’s full statement about his father’s death below:

“We are shocked and saddened to report the loss of Dale Chorman. He was a loving husband to Dianne, a great father to me, and (as you know) a fantastic friend to many. He was also in the running for my favorite character in this whole human drama. We loved him. We love him.

As for the manner of his death, Dale died on his property, tromping through the woods with a dear friend, in pursuit of a great photograph. This was his favorite thing to do.

I don’t think this needs clearing up for anyone viewing this page, but Dale was highly experienced around wildlife. He was intimately familiar with nature, and had no naivete about its danger. This was not a hapless fool stumbling into danger — this was a person who went out looking for a great photo, knowing the risks, and got caught in a dangerous moment. The moose, obviously, is not at fault. To the concerned neighbours, I say — quell your primate spear rattling. The ungulate mother need not die. She was just protecting her offspring. Dale had remarked the previous day that the brush was particularly thick this year — thick enough to get closer than intended, and surprise a wild animal by accident.

I’m sure Dale was surprised too. On a given day, nobody expects to die on their own property doing something routine, even when the routine is fairly dangerous. But he would have accepted this outcome. Whether for the cranes, or the calves, this was his favorite time of year. The truth is he died doing what he loved most — or, *close* to most, as moose have a distinct lack of feathers. Whether birds, or moose, or bears, I know you’ve all loved his photos over the years. He loved sharing them with you.”