Alaska Wildlife Troopers in Soldotna were notified on Monday, May 24, at approximately 6:41 p.m., that 51-year-old Nikiski resident Crystal Cook had been trampled by a moose.
According to the online trooper dispatch, witnesses stated that a cow moose had been in the area for a few days without a calf, and at approximately 10:00 a.m. on May 24, neighbors observed a newborn calf lying between Cook’s fence and an RV on the property. Neighbors stated the cow was on the other side of the fence throughout the day, observing the calf. Witnesses noted the calf called the cow in tones of distress, and Cook attempted to move toward the calf to stimulate the calf to move.
At that time, the cow jumped the fence onto Cook’s property and knocked her to the ground, and began trampling her. The cow and calf left the area and headed to the wooded lot behind the property; neither were located, according to the troopers.
Cook was treated by paramedics at the scene for multiple injuries and was subsequently medevac’d to an Anchorage area hospital for further treatment. Cook is currently in fair condition, as stated in the troopers online report.
Alaska Wildlife Troopers remind Alaskans, as calving season is fully underway throughout much of the state, never approach a calf moose or come between a cow and calf moose, as cow moose will typically respond with aggressive actions if they fear for the safety of their calf.