A moose attack in Alaska leaves a man dead, prompting an investigation

A cow moose attacked and killed a man in Homer, Alaska, on Sunday, sparking an investigation by state authorities.

Alaska State Troopers said in a news report that the moose attacked two men and kicked one of them.

“Paramedics arrived on scene and pronounced the victim deceased,” the message said, adding that the moose “has left the area.”

It wasn’t clear why the moose attacked the men. The animals generally do not attack people unless they feel threatened or are being harassed by people or their dogs – or when they are protecting their young.

From the Alaska Department of Fish and Game:

“While moose are generally considered less dangerous than bears, more people are injured by moose than bears in Alaska each year.

“Moose usually flee when threatened, but under certain circumstances they can become aggressive. People can be injured when moose attack, stomp and kick to protect themselves or their young.”

Moose are the largest members of the deer family. Cow elk in Alaska can weigh up to 800 pounds, while bull elk can weigh twice as much.

– Moose image courtesy of the US Fish and Wildlife Service