Trooper hits moose, sustains minor injuries

TALKEETNA — An Alaska State Trooper driving on the Talkeetna Spur Road sustained minor injuries early Sunday morning after his patrol car struck a moose crossing the road.

Trooper Shayne Calt, 28, was driving north on the spur road around 3:30 a.m., when a moose ran into the southbound lane, then crossed into the northbound lane, according to a troopers report.

Calt attempted to avoid hitting the moose, but was unable to miss the ungulate, the report says.

The trooper vehicle sustained extensive damage, with the hind quarter of the moose penetrating the passenger compartment. That part of the moose was found on the passenger floor board, according to the report.

Calt was wearing a seat belt and was treated on the scene by Talkeetna EMS for minor injuries.

According to troopers, the moose was salvaged by a local charity.

Contact Michael Rovito at michael.rovito@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.