In a tragic incident in Homer, Alaska, a man's attempt to photograph wildlife turned deadly when he was attacked by a moose protecting her newborn calves. Dale Chorman, a 70-year-old resident of Homer, was fatally injured in the attack that took place this past Sunday.

Chorman, along with a companion, had ventured out to capture images of the moose calves, a decision that proved fatal when the mother moose charged. According to Austin McDaniel, a spokesperson for the Alaska Department of Public Safety, the attack occurred swiftly as Chorman and his companion were moving through the brush.

The exact details of the attack are unclear as the surviving companion did not witness the event directly. However, authorities suggest that the moose may have kicked or stomped Chorman in a protective response typical of cow moose during the calving season. Despite immediate medical attention, Chorman was pronounced dead at the scene.




This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by wildlife, especially during sensitive times such as calving season. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game warns that moose, generally peaceful if unprovoked, can become highly aggressive when their young are threatened. They advise giving moose ample space during this period and caution against startling the animals or coming between a mother and her calves.

The attack is not isolated in its severity. In 1995, another fatal moose attack occurred at the University of Alaska Anchorage, where a man was stomped to death under similar circumstances involving provoked moose behavior due to harassment by onlookers.

Alaska, home to up to 200,000 moose and a human population of approximately 737,000, is a state where wildlife and human interactions are common but can also be perilous. Moose, the largest members of the deer family, can weigh up to 1,600 pounds and stand nearly 6 feet tall at the shoulder.


This tragic event underscores the importance of wildlife awareness and safety, particularly in regions like Alaska where human and animal territories often overlap. The community mourns the loss of Dale Chorman and is reminded once again of the respect and caution these majestic creatures command.

Source: Yahoo