Musk Ox Kills Alaska State Trooper Protecting His Dogs

A musk ox has killed an Alaska state trooper who was trying to protect his dogs from a herd of the mammals.

Curtis Worland, a court services officer, had been attempting to drive the oxen away from the dog kennels at his home near Nome when one of the animals attacked, said the Alaska Department of Public Safety in a statement.

Worland was declared dead at the scene.

There are approximately 5,000 musk oxen in Alaska. The grazing mammals are known for their shaggy coats and can weigh up to 900 pounds.

Musk oxen are not normally aggressive but can charge if provoked. Females can be especially defensive in the spring months, when they are protecting newborn calves. Males can become more aggressive during breeding season, which typically runs from August to October.

If a musk ox is about to charge, it will stop to look at a person and the herd may gather defensively. They may also begin swaying their heads.

The National Park Service said anyone charged by a musk ox must run away immediately and never stand their ground. It advises people to keep at least 150 yards away from them at all times.

Fatal attacks on humans are incredibly rare, but musk oxen are known to be particularly aggressive around dogs. In 2017, musk oxen attacked multiple sled dogs in Nome, reported Alaska Public Media.

Musk oxen are often hunted by wolves in the wild, meaning they see dogs as a threat, according to the National Park Service.

James Cockrel, commissioner at the Alaska Department of Public Safety, said in a statement that Worland "wore the Court Services Officer uniform and honorably," having served in Nome for 13 years.

"He was a proud member of the Nome community and a dedicated member of the Alaska law enforcement family," Cockrel added. "I hope that Alaskans will keep Curtis' family, friends, loved ones, and the Alaska State Troopers in your thoughts as we process this tragic loss for our state. He will be sorely missed by the DPS family."

Alaska State Troopers are investigating the animal attack alongside Alaska Wildlife Troopers and the state's Department of Fish and Game.

Troopers spokesperson Austin McDaniel told Alaska Public Media that if the musk ox responsible appears particularly dangerous to people, it may be captured and euthanized.

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