Policeman killed outside home by wild animal while trying to save dogs (2024)

Mr Worland was attacked by the musk ox outside his home (Image: Alaska State Troopers / Getty)

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The Alaska State Troopers agency reported that the officer had been fatally attacked after trying to scare a group of musk oxen away from a dog kennel near his home.

According to troopers, emergency responders pronounced Worland dead at the scene.

The huge mammal is believed to have attacked him outside his home, which is located near the town of Nome.

Worland was in his thirteenth year in service (Image: Alaska State Trooper)

Musk oxens are common in the area (Image: Getty)

Austin McDaniel, a spokesperson for the troopers, said he could not immediately report how many musk oxen were in the group Worland was trying to keep away.

The agency released a press release which said Worland worked as a CSO at the Nome, Alaska State Trooper post during his entire career, which began in December 2009.

It said: "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.

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Curtis was trying to scare off a group of the oxens to protect a nearby dog kennel (Image: Alaska State Troopers)

"CSO Worland proudly wore the Court Services Officer uniform and honourably 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."

A musk ox is a hoofed mammal, native to the arctic, and is recognised for its thick coat and huge curved horns.

They can stand over four feet tall and can reach up to 900 pounds in weight, and many can be found in Nome and the surrounding areas.

The Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Wildlife Troopers and state Department of Fish and Game are investigating the attack.

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