Nome, Alaska - A court services officer for the Alaska State Troopers was attacked and killed by a muskox right outside his home.

According to a statement from the state's Department of Public Safety (DPS), officer Curtis Worland was "attempting to haze a group of muskox from near his dog kennel at his home when one of the muskox attacked him" on Tuesday.

Chief Jim West Jr. of the Nome Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Department told The Nome Nugget that Worland was pronounced dead when he arrived at the scene.

The victim's body was found across the property, away from the dog kennel, with a significant wound to his femoral artery, the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the lower body.

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The outlet also reported that an empty sidearm was also found near the body.

"Curtis proudly wore the Court Services Officer uniform and honorably served the people of Alaska for 13 years," said James Cockrell, commissioner for the DPS. "He was a proud member of the Nome community and a dedicated member of the Alaska law enforcement family,"

While attacks on humans are incredibly rare, Incidents of muskox attacking dogs has seen a rise in the region in recent years.

"I hope that Alaskans will keep Curtis’ family, friends, loved ones, and the Alaska State Troopers in your thoughts as we process this tragic loss for our state," commissioner Cockrell added. "He will be sorely missed by the DPS family."