According to Alaska State Troopers, a dog’s protective instincts came into play when it fended off a moose that assaulted its owner on a walking trail.
According to a news release issued by state troopers on Thursday, the event occurred in the afternoon of December 18 near Soldotna, Alaska, while the man and his dog were walking the Tsalteshi Trail.
Authorities said that when they emerged from the woods, the man was unexpectedly rushed by a moose, who then kicked and knocked him down many times.
His dog yelled and drove the moose away, allowing him to reach a tree and snowbank, according to a Facebook post from the Tsalteshi Trails Association.
According to the association’s website, people use the miles of trails for cross-country skiing, walking, running, hiking, and biking.
The group posted on Facebook, saying, “We are relieved to hear the man and his dogs are OK.” “Please watch out for wildlife and exercise extra caution.”
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, moose attack more people annually than bears do in the state, despite being thought to be less dangerous than bears.
Moose were probably in the vicinity and possibly “still stressed” following the event, so the trails organization recommended others to stay away from the area for the remainder of the day.
The organization added of a previously upset moose seen on the paths, “If this is the same cranky cow from this summer, she doesn’t have much patience for people yelling at her or trying to get her to move.”
State troopers said that when the man was attacked, there were at least four moose in the area.
According to officials, the man went to a hospital after sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.
