Tragic Incident: Cow Moose Fatally Attacks Man Capturing Photos of Newborn Calves in Alaska
In a heartbreaking incident, a 70-year-old man lost his life to a cow moose while attempting to photograph the animal and its newborn calves in southern Alaska. The tragic event unfolded near his residence on a Sunday, as confirmed by local authorities.
A 70-year-old man named Dale Chorman was fatally injured by a cow moose while attempting to take pictures of the animal and her newborn calves near his residence in southern Alaska on Sunday.
According to the Alaska Department of Public Safety, Dale and a friend came across the female moose and her two calves in Homer city.
Grand Teton National Park is a vast 310,000-acre park located in northwestern Wyoming. It shares its borders with Idaho to the west and Yellowstone National Park to the north. The park can be accessed from the north of Jackson, Wyoming, via US Highway 89.
June 29, 2023, Grand Teton National Park is a 310,000 acre park in northwestern Wyoming bordering Idaho to its west and Yellowstone National Park to its north. This entry point is north of Jackson Wyoming on US Highway 89. (Photo by: Don and Melinda Crawford/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Don and Melinda Crawford/UCG/Getty Images/File
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A man was seriously injured in a grizzly bear attack at Grand Teton National Park. According to agency spokesperson Austin McDaniel, the man, named Dale, was with another adult male trying to take photos of two newborn moose calves when a cow moose attacked him.
The initial report stated that the moose charged at the two men and kicked one of them. Fortunately, the other man was not hurt, according to McDaniel.
Chorman's body was taken to the Alaska State Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy. CNN has reached out to the medical examiner for additional details.
Chorman’s loved ones are honoring his memory as a caring father, husband, and friend. They are also emphasizing that the moose should not be blamed for his passing.
Nathan Chorman, Dale's son, shared a message urging people not to hold the moose responsible for the incident. He emphasized that the moose was simply defending her young and should not face any harm.
Dale's family described him as experienced with wildlife. Nathan mentioned that Dale had mentioned the day before that the brush was thick enough to accidentally encounter a wild animal.
Nathan stated, "I'm sure Dale was also surprised. No one expects to die on their own property while doing something routine, even if it's a dangerous routine. But he would have accepted this outcome."
The son explained that the individual who found themselves in a dangerous situation was not a clueless person, but someone who intentionally ventured out in search of a stunning photo, fully aware of the potential risks involved.
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, a petite female moose can reach weights of up to 800 pounds and stand as tall as 6 feet.
When a female moose is with her calves, she may attack if a person gets too close, according to McDaniel.
McDaniel explained, "Cow moose are very protective of their calves and will do whatever it takes to keep them safe. Alaskans are advised not to approach moose calves for pictures or to touch them because the mother moose is likely nearby."
Homer is about 220 miles south of Anchorage on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula.
Editor's P/S:
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with encountering wildlife. It is essential to respect the boundaries of wild animals, especially protective mothers, and to maintain a safe distance when observing them. The family's plea to not hold the moose responsible is a testament to their understanding of the animal's natural instincts and their desire to ensure its well-being.
While the victim, Dale Chorman, was an experienced individual, this incident highlights the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters. Despite his awareness of the risks, Chorman was caught off guard, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant and prioritizing safety when engaging with wildlife. It is crucial to heed the warnings of wildlife experts and avoid approaching animals, especially during sensitive periods such as when they are protecting their young.
