Alaska law officer killed in muskox attack outside his home, authorities say

JUNEAU, Alaska  — A court services officer with the Alaska State Troopers died Tuesday after being attacked by a muskox outside his home near Nome, Alaska, the agency said.

Curtis Worland was trying to scare away a group of muskox from near a dog kennel at his home when one of the animals attacked him, according to a statement from the troopers that said Worland was declared dead at the scene.

Court services officers are law enforcement officers that provide prisoner transport services, courthouse security, and court document service, troopers spokesperson Austin McDaniel said. He could not immediately say how many animals were part of the group that Worland was trying to keep away.

Worland worked as a court services officer in Nome since 2009, according to Alaska Public Media. The law enforcement department mourned his death.

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“Curtis Worland was a dedicated member of the Alaska Department of Public Safety,” McDaniel said, Alaska Public Media reported. “He served the state well as a court services officer and he will certainly be missed.”

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

Muskoxen are stocky, long-haired animals with slight shoulder humps and horns and can weigh up to 800 pounds , according to the fish and game department.

Contributing: Charles Ventura, USA TODAY