One of the muskoxen attacked him and Worland was declared dead at the scene, according to a statement from the troopers (file image)
Curtis Worland, 36, a court services officer for 13 years, died on Tuesday afternoon after the wild animal attack near Nome in Alaska.
One of the animals attacked him and Worland was declared dead at the scene, according to a statement from the troopers.
He and his wife kept a sled dog team at their property just outside of the city on the Nome-Teller highway.
Austin McDaniel, a spokesperson for the troopers, said he could not immediately say how many animals were part of the group Worland was trying to keep away.
Muskoxen are stocky, long-haired animals with slight shoulder humps and horns and can weigh up to 800 pounds (363 kilograms).
An increased number of muskoxen have started to appear near the city limits, mostly from late spring to fall, according to local paper Nome Nugget.
They have a record of attacking dogs in Nome, including one of Worland's in December 2020, but this marks the first time a person has been killed.
McDaniel added that court services officers are law enforcement officers that provide prisoner transport services, courthouse security and court document service.
The Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Wildlife Troopers and state Department of Fish and Game are investigating.
Worland worked as a CSO at the Nome, Alaska State Trooper post since December 2009, when he started his career.
The troopers posted a tribute to Worland on Facebook: 'We are deeply saddened to report that one of our own, Court Services Officer Curtis Worland, was tragically killed during a muskox attack near Nome earlier today.
'CSO Worland was attempting to haze a group of muskox near his dog kennel at his home when he was attacked and fatally injured by a muskox.
'CSO Worland 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, and he will be sorely missed.'
Are muskoxen dangerous?
Muskoxen are stocky, long-haired animals with shoulder humps and horns.
They are large, slow-moving grazers so are easy to spot in the wild.
They are not normally aggressive but as they are wild animals they can pose a threat to humans and dogs.
To stay safe around them, respect their space, don't approach females with calves and keep dogs under control.
Source: National Park Service
Reader Comments
Anyway, lethal incidents with large ruminants (bovine, bisons) are relatively common. The only difference is, the habitats of muskoxen have much less overlap with that of humans, thus the difference in numbers.
I guess we are to feel even more sorry, because he was a state trooper.
Next they'll be saying the muskox was right winged, hence the aggressiveness.
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