Woman and pet dog trampled by moose in popular park during horror attack

A moose trampled a woman and her dog in a brutal attack at a popular park.

the pair on an unpaved trail at the popular Kincaid Park shortly after 5pm on Friday, according to police. When police in Anchorage, Alaska, arrived at the park they found the woman and dog had been injured after being trampled. A second woman, who was not hurt, remained at the scene to help them along to the closest car park where medics evaluated their condition.

The pair were thankfully found to have only suffered non-life-threatening injuries. There is no absolute confirmation of what, if anything, caused the moose to attack the woman and her dog, although the time of year could explain it.

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Cory Stantorf of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) shared a statement reminding people , from mid-May to early June, can be result in female moose being extremely aggressive and that they could also charge at your pets.

"[The] biggest thing is to keep those pets under control," Stantorf said, as reported by network KTUU. "A moose really can’t tell the difference between a dog and a wolf.

"Wolf is a natural predator that’s innate to them, so the best thing is to keep those animals — especially — close by and leashed so that you could minimize the negative encounter if you happen upon any wildlife in general." A sign was left outside Kincaid Park following the attack that read: "Caution: Moose with calf near holes 7 & 8 for your safety please stay away - Park staff."

Mr Stantorf noted the dog in this case had not been on a leash. Police said the dog was still alive that it "seemed not to have suffered life-threatening injuries" during the investigation. Police added they were not aware of the dog's current condition following the attack.

The has contacted the Anchorage Police Department for comment.

, there are several things people can do to keep themselves and others safe around moose. These include:

• Not feeding moose, as they can become aggressive if they learn to expect food when approaching a person
• Being patient if a moose is obstructing the way
• Run if a moose chases you
• If you are knocked down, curl up into a ball and protect your head with your hands
• If knocked down, do not get up until the moose moves to a safe distance
• Keep children away from moose

The ADFG added moose are typically perceived to be less dangerous than bears but that more people in Alaska are injured by moose than bears each year. Moose will usually flee when threatened but in certain circumstances they can become aggressive.