Moose Kills Alaska Man Who Was Trying to Photograph Her Newborn Babies

Nathan Spence-Chorman said his father Dale Chorman was “highly experienced around wildlife” and knew the potential dangers

An Alaska man has died after attempting to take photos of a female moose’s babies.

Alaska State Troopers said the incident involving the cow moose occurred in Homer just before noon local time on Sunday, May 19.

Dale Chorman, 70, and a friend were looking for the moose and her two newborn calves when they were attacked by the adult animal, according to the Associated Press and Anchorage Daily News.

Alaska Department of Public Safety spokesperson Austin McDaniel said the friend saw the moose standing over Chorman, who was on the ground.

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Troopers stated the moose kicked the victim, who was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Chorman's friend did not witness the attack, so it remains unclear how exactly he died, according to the AP. The second man was not injured.

Chorman was a carpenter and builder, as well as a naturalist and bear guide, according to the Daily News. Nathan Spence-Chorman said his father was “highly experienced around wildlife” 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,” Spence-Chorman wrote in a social media post.

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Female moose typically give birth between mid-May and early June and will defend their newborns “vigorously,” according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Mothers will maintain a maternal bond with their calves for the first year of their lives.

Chorman’s son said the moose was “obviously” not at fault for the incident, and “need not die” due to her involvement, according to the Daily News.

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“She was just protecting her offspring,” Spence-Chorman said. “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.”

An investigation into the incident is ongoing, according to state troopers.

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