Charging moose kicks and kills man taking photos of newborn calves, Alaska troopers say

A charging moose fatally kicked a man near Homer, Alaska State Troopers reported.

The cow moose charged two men around 11:50 a.m. Sunday, May 19, troopers said in a dispatch.

The moose kicked one of the men, who was later pronounced dead by medics, troopers said.

The cow moose later left the area, troopers said. An investigation continues.

On Monday, the Alaska Department of Public Safety identified the deceased as Dale Chorman, 70, of Homer, the Associated Press reported.

Chorman was trying to take photos of the moose’s two newborn calves, officials said. He and his companion were walking through brush looking for the moose when they were attacked.

The second man was not injured, officials said,



Chorman, a carpenter and builder, had lived in Homer for decades, the Anchorage Daily News reported. He also was a naturalist and bear guide.

“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,” his son, Nathan Spence-Chorman, wrote on social media, the publication said.

“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,” Spence-Chorman wrote.

He said /the moose “is not at fault” and should not be killed for protecting her calves.

Cow moose typically give birth in May and June, according to Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

An Alaska Department of Public Safety spokesperson said the fatal encounter took place in a neighborhood outside Homer city limits, the Anchorage Daily News reported.

Homer is about a 220-mile drive southwest from Anchorage.

What to know about moose

Moose are protective animals and will defend their territory and their young.

If someone encounters a moose, they should give it space to leave, wildlife officials said. People shouldn’t try to haze a moose to move out of the way.

Wildlife officials said people should do the following if a moose charges:

• Run away quickly

• Put a tree, rock or other large object between them and the moose

• Get up quickly if knocked down

• Report the incident to wildlife officials as soon as possible

This story was originally published May 20, 2024 at 10:17 AM with the headline "Charging moose kicks and kills man taking photos of newborn calves, Alaska troopers say."