Dorothea Murphy, Alaska Woman, Fights Moose With Shovel

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — An 85-year-old Alaska woman used a grain shovel to fend off an agitated moose that was stomping her husband.

George Murphy says his wife saved his life.

The Anchorage Daily News (http://bit.ly/yahDtF) says the 82-year-old pilot, who flew for three decades for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, was hiking with his golden retrievers near the Willow airport Friday. He saw the moose and dove in the snow, but the moose started stomping him.

His wife, Dorothea, who is 5 feet tall and weighs 97 pounds, grabbed a big shovel and hit the moose in the body and head.

She ran for help, and Murphy was rushed by medical helicopter to an Anchorage hospital. He was in good condition Monday with a gash to his head.

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Comments

[GOODDOC1]

02:14 AM on 01/26/2012

Remember, in Alaska, don't pet Bullwinkle, and don't play with Smokey the Bear!

[GOODDOC1]

02:09 AM on 01/26/2012

Mr. Murphy was released from the hospital today, and thanks all for their help and well wishes.

[electros]

09:24 PM on 01/24/2012

and it was said that a flying Squirrel came up and said" not again Bullwinkle"!

[WillieNelsonWeed]

09:15 PM on 01/24/2012

She saved her husband from what ... my wife???

Dang, I thought I had finally gotten rid of her!!

[rosasturtles1]

09:10 PM on 01/24/2012

how lovely defending her man...hoping for a quick recovery for her husband..brave woman..

[1JMO]

08:05 PM on 01/24/2012

Now THAT'S L-O-V-E!!!!!

[Nosyhuman]

08:05 PM on 01/24/2012

I'd never sail; there are things in the ocean that will eat you! Point being; live where animals out number humans and live in danger!

[joellen835]

07:08 PM on 01/24/2012

She must be Irish. Reminds me of my 4'11" mom, who wouldn't think twice about doing the same thing if one of her's was threatened. They're the ones you want to have in your corner.

[certmuff]

06:55 PM on 01/24/2012

I didn't know moose were aggressive- glad she saved her little man- hope he recovers quickly

[GOODDOC1]

02:11 AM on 01/26/2012

Usually they're not, but this one obviously hadn't read the rule book! They have been having a hard time finding food lately, due to deep snow. Usually they run away, unless they're protecting their calves.

[ontariogirl]

05:35 PM on 01/24/2012

With a shovel.......my hero!

[360Dunk]

08:00 PM on 01/24/2012

Someone drenched it in Hershey's syrup to make chocolate moose.

[AKansasComment]

04:10 PM on 01/24/2012

It's like being able to lift a car off someone. The marvel of adrenalin. Nice.

[thetxsndn]

03:49 PM on 01/24/2012

Major kudos to Dorthea. You go girl !

[jnsburke7]

02:17 PM on 01/24/2012

These Alaska women are tough,better move on Bullwinkle.

[thumperusmc1989]

01:53 PM on 01/24/2012

Good job, Dorothea. Too bad you didn't hit it harder, though. Moose is excellent eating.
And to anyone out there that thinks moose are nice, gentle critters...you're crazy.
I had a moose try to run me down when I was about 8 years old in Sitka, and if the homeowner whose yard I ended up in hadn't shot it, I'd probably be dead, now.
And, no, to you wannebe PETA's..I did NOTHING to provoke it except be in the general area it wandered in to.
To me, the only good moose is one that's served up right next to the mashed potatoes.

[Mtka]

02:59 PM on 01/24/2012

You were simply the weaker link in the chain. Not the moose's fault. If you live where they live, watch out for them.

[ssnugsbug]

08:44 PM on 01/24/2012

It has more to do with a moose's naturally dangerous nature than being a weaker link in the chain.

[thetxsndn]

03:48 PM on 01/24/2012

Don't forget the gravy & a loaf of good fresh-baked sourdough to go with it ! Moose is dang near as good as an elk backstrap. :D

[Clams]

07:28 PM on 01/24/2012

And for dessert, I suggest a little chocolate mousse or a baked Alaskan.