State officer killed by musk ox in Nome

An employee of Alaska’s Department of Public Safety was killed Tuesday on his property in Nome during an encounter with a musk ox.

Court Services Officer Curtis Worland was trying to clear a group of musk oxen away from a dog kennel at his home in the Western Alaska hub town when one of the animals attacked him, according to the Department of Public Safety.

“CSO Worland was sadly declared deceased at the scene,” said a statement from the department.

State and Wildlife Troopers, along with the Department of Fish and Game are currently investigating what happened and will determine whether the animal will be killed. Officials cannot yet say what will happen to the musk ox involved in the incident.

“If they determine it’s a public safety threat, then they may decide to dispatch the musk ox at that point,” said Austin McDaniels, spokesman for the Department of Public Safety.

Worland was on a regular break during the course of his workday when the encounter took place, and as such his death is considered to be in the line of duty, according to McDaniels. Details about services and state honors will be released in the coming days.

Worland, who was 36, spent his whole career assigned to the State Trooper post in Nome, beginning in 2009. As a Court Service Officer, his duties included transporting prisoners, serving court documents and providing court security.

“Curtis proudly wore the Court Services Officer uniform and honorably 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,” said Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell. “I hope that Alaskans will keep Curtis’ family, friends, loved ones, and the Alaska State Troopers in your thoughts as we process this tragic loss for our state.”

Attacks by musk oxen on humans are extremely rare. However, conflicts between musk oxen and dogs have been on the rise in recent years, particularly in Nome, which hosts a number of outdoor sled-dog kennels.