A moose attack near Homer left a 70-year-old man dead on Sunday, according to Alaska State Troopers.

A trooper dispatch published the same day says that two men were attacked by a cow moose in Homer. The moose kicked one of them, and when medics arrived they declared him deceased.

Troopers on Monday identified the victim as 70-year-old Homer resident Dale Chorman.

The encounter took place on Chorman’s property near Fritz Creek, his friend Tom Kizzia said Monday. It happened when Chorman and another friend were out looking to take photos of any of several moose giving birth near his home. Kizzia said Chorman “was deeply aware” of the risks associated, as he was “a long-time naturalist, birder, bear viewing guide and wildlife photographer.”

Kizzia said Chorman and his wife have spent decades in Homer developing connections in the community and deepening their relationship with Alaska and nature.

Chorman’s family, Kizzia said, hope that the cow moose is left alone — “she was just doing what she needed to do … Dale would have been the first to understand that.”

The Sunday dispatch says that the moose left the area and that troopers were still investigating.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

Dale Chorman stands with his wife, Dianne. (Photo provided by Tom Kizzia)