Visitor Shoots Charging Moose In Self Defense

Denali National Park & Preserve (AK)
Visitor Shoots Charging Moose In Self Defense

On the evening of Thursday, June 6th, the park received a report that a visitor had shot and injured a cow moose near the Denali Visitor Center. The visitor, a 26-year-old man from Eagle River, Alaska, said that he and four other people, including two small children, encountered the moose at close range when they rounded a corner on a trail. They attempted to hide behind a tree, but the moose continued to charge. As she approached, the man shot her in the head at close range. He said afterwards that he did it because he was concerned for the safety of the children and felt he had no other recourse. The man was visibly upset when he reported the incident to the responding rangers, who had to destroy the mortally injured moose. After investigation of the statements of the party and a review of applicable law, the National Park Service has determined that no prosecution will be recommended to the Office of the United States Attorney. Although the discharge of a firearm and taking of wildlife in the park are both violations of CFR, investigators found nothing to contradict the man’s statement that he shot the moose in self defense. While there is not a “defense of life” provision in the federal laws governing national parks, under Alaska state law this incident would be deemed a justifiable defense of life and not be charged as an offense.