Dale Chorman : “Moose Tramples Man”

A 70-year-old man, Dale Chorman, lost his life in a tragic incident in Homer, Alaska, where he was attacked by a cow moose while attempting to capture photos of two newborn moose calves. The alarming incident occurred on Sunday, leaving Chorman fatally wounded. Austin McDaniel, a representative from the Alaska Department of Public Safety, confirmed that Chorman’s companion managed to escape unharmed. The cow moose launched an aggressive charge at the men as they were exploring the bushes in search of the newborns. Although the second individual did not witness the fatal attack, medical professionals on the scene declared Dale Chorman deceased.

According to the Associated Press, the cow moose retreated from the area following the assault. It is strongly advised to maintain a safe distance from moose, particularly after they have given birth. Austin McDaniel emphasized the importance of respecting the space of cow moose, stating, “During calving season, it is imperative to provide them with additional space. Cow moose with calves are among the most aggressive moose you may encounter. These moose can exhibit unpredictable behaviour and will go to great lengths to protect their offspring.”

A single kick or stomp from an adult moose can be devastating due to their considerable size. Adult female moose can weigh up to 800 pounds (approximately 363 kilograms), while large adult males can reach a weight of 1600 pounds (approximately 726 kilograms). These majestic creatures can stand nearly 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall.

Moose, known as elk in Europe, are the tallest, largest, and heaviest existing species of deer globally. In North America, they rank as the second-largest land animal, just behind the American bison in terms of body mass.

Encounters with moose are not uncommon in Alaska, where the moose population of approximately 200,000 surpasses the human population of around 737,000. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game advises giving moose ample space to coexist peacefully. It is also recommended to wait patiently for a moose to pass if it obstructs your path.

Human-moose conflict often arises when individuals throw snowballs, approach moose too closely, or have barking pet dogs that agitate the animals. Such actions can lead moose to perceive humans as a threat, prompting them to act defensively. It is also illegal to provoke or harm moose in any way.