In a tragic moment, an Alaska state trooper died defending his dogs from a musk ox.
According to a press release made by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, the “extremely rare attack” happened near Nome and included an Alaska Court Services officer. After firing “ several rounds from a .40 caliber handgun,” Curtis Worland was lethally gored through one of his legs. Apparently, Worland was protecting his dogs from a musk oxen herd.
Are Musk Oxen Dangerous?
Only found in the Arctic, musk oxen are notably very docile animals. Their name comes from the scent males produce when they’re ready to mate. When musk oxen do attack humans, it’s rarely fatal. Back in July 1964, a 73-year-old Norwegian man died after a musk ox attack. Afterward, authorities later killed the animal.
Interestingly, some people raise musk oxen domestically. Unfortunately, big game prize hunters covet musk oxen. Cowboy State Daily says the Boone & Crockett Club recognizes them as a “trophy game species.” In the past, the species has been overhunted. However, recent conservation efforts have helped restore population sizes.
Remembering a Beloved Public Servant
According to KTUU News in Anchorage, Worland “was a longtime employee at the Nome Alaska State Troopers post, having spent his entire career at the same location.” Being a rural, tight-knit community, Nome felt the loss of a dedicated, lifelong public servant.
As Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell said, “Curtis proudly wore the Court Services Officer uniform and honorably served the people of Alaska for 13 years.”
Cockrell went on, “He was a proud member of the Nome community and a dedicated member of the Alaska law enforcement family. 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.”
According to Alaska Native News, the musk ox that killed Curtis has been deemed a threat to the community. Authorities have yet to locate the animal, which will be dispatched once located.
