Woman’s death from natural causes, not a moose attack, troopers say

WASILLA — The death of a 74-year old Wasilla woman Sunday was due to natural causes, Alaska State Troopers said Tuesday in online dispatch.

Pattie Cucinello was found in her driveway Sunday afternoon off Timberview Drive in the Finn Creek Estates subdivision near Settlers Bay. Troopers initially reported finding moose tracks in the yard, leading to the possibility that Cucinello could have been attacked.

The state medical examiner’s office responded to the scene and reported no foul play was suspected. The updated findings were released Tuesday.

Cucinello’s possible death from a moose attack sparked online debate this week about moose behavior, especially in the fall. According to Alaska State Department of Fish and Game officials, moose are not normally aggressive. However, they can be very aggressive, especially in winter or when harassed by people, dogs or traffic. ASFG states that when moose are on a road, driveway, trail or up against a house, they are often trying to rest.

Each moose has a different tolerance. Bull moose but tend to be more aggressive during the fall mating season—late September and October. Cow moose with young calves are very protective and will attack humans who come too close. Anyone spotting a calf but not the cow should be very careful as they may have walked between the two.

Should you find a moose hanging around your property, ASFG offers the following suggestions if you need to be or get outside. Look for another exit. A moose will often move away on its own although it may take half an hour or more. Sometimes a loud noise or movement will startle them into moving. Moose accustomed to humans are usually not easily chased away.

If you have to get by a moose; try to keep a large tree, snow berm, vehicle, building, or fence between you. Don’t approach a moose if its only escape route is in your direction, and always leave one or more escape routes. As a last resort, ASFG recommends a large squirt of pepper spray will often move them, or at least provide you with some protection if they charge.

Feeding moose in illegal in Alaska and often become aggressive when not fed as expected. They may hastily approach the next unsuspecting person encountered looking for a handout or attack if nothing is offered. ASFG states feeding a neighborhood moose greatly increases, the chances of it charging, especially children. A moose with a history of unprovoked attacks will likely be shot by enforcement officers to protect public safety. ASFG state feeding a moose is more likely to contribute to its death, rather than benefitting the animal.

Signs that a moose may attack include raised hairs on its hump, laid back ears—much like a dog or cat, or lip-licking. Moose that slowly approach humans are usually looking for a handout or warning you to keep away. ASFG warns anyone seeing those signs to look for the nearest tree, fence or other obstruction to duck behind.

Many charges are “bluffs,” warning you to keep your distance. However, any charge should be taken seriously. When a moose charges it often kicks forward with its front hooves. Unlike with bears, running from a moose is a good idea as it generally won’t pursue very far. Get behind something solid; a person can run around a tree faster than a moose.

If a moose does attack and knocks you down, it may continue running or start stomping and kicking with all four feet. ASFG officials say the best thing to do is curl up in a ball, protect your head with your hands, and hold still. Do not move or get up until the moose moves to a safe distance away may renew its attack.