Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/alaska-dogs-muskox/

It’s not unusual to hear stories of frantic pet parents wresting their pets from the mouths of alligators or exhibiting superhuman strength and courage when their animals’ lives are on the line. More often than not the hair-raising stories have a happy ending. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case in Alaska recently when a pet owner and law enforcement officer had an encounter with a massive muskox threatening his dogs.

Muskox in Alaska

According to state authorities, Curtis Worland, a court services officer, attempted to run off a group of muskox threatening his dog kennel situated outside of his home in Nome, Alaska. Trying to protect his sled dogs from what he apparently considered a potentially harmful or dangerous situation, Worland, 36, was attacked by one of the imposing creatures and suffered a fatal wound.

Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell stated in a news release, “Curtis proudly wore the Court Services Officer uniform and honorably served the people of Alaska for 13 years. He was a proud member of the Nome community and a dedicated member of the Alaska law enforcement family.”

Arctic Wildlife

Muskoxen are slow-moving grazers that dine on a variety of plants. While they can weigh up to 800 pounds, they’re not usually aggressive. They are wild animals, though, so anything can happen if they are startled, angered, or in fear for their lives. Per the National Park Service, people need to “Keep your dogs under control if a muskox is near. An agitated muskox can easily injure or kill a dog, so make sure your dogs are on a leash or in a pen if muskoxen are around.”

They also advise that people should stay at least 150 feet away from the animals if they encounter them in nature. “If you are charged by a muskox, RUN. Never stand your ground against a charging muskox,” the agency advised.

Run-Ins with Dogs

Both male and female muskoxen have long, curved horns, humped backs, and thick coats that include long guard hairs that nearly trail the ground. Cold weather creatures, they can be found in parts of Canada and Alaska, as well as areas of Europe. While fatal encounters are considered rare, there have been incidents of the shaggy mammals killing dogs in rural Alaska in the past. In fact, as recently as 2017, sled dogs in Nome were attacked in multiple incidents, according to Alaska Public Media. Moose have been known to attack dogs as well.

If you happen to be somewhere that either animal lives, heed the advice of professionals and steer clear.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog