Moose charged at his sister. The 12-year-old remembered a trick from World of Warcraft.

May 23, 2026 - 04:11

A 12-year-old boy in Alaska credited a strategy he learned from the video game World of Warcraft for helping him protect his younger sister from an aggressive moose. The incident occurred near their home in Anchorage when the large animal suddenly charged at the pair.

The boy, whose name has not been released, said he remembered a tactic from the popular online game where players use a "taunt" ability to draw an enemy's attention away from allies. He shouted and waved his arms, successfully redirecting the moose's focus toward himself. The animal then charged at him instead of his sister.

"I was really hoping my plan would work since moose are herbivores," the boy told local reporters. He explained that in World of Warcraft, players use taunts to force monsters to attack the tank character, protecting weaker party members. The real-world application worked, and the moose eventually lost interest and wandered off.

The children's mother said she was proud of her son's quick thinking. Wildlife officials reminded the public that moose can be dangerous, especially during calving season or when startled. They advised people to keep a safe distance and never turn their backs on the animals. The boy's creative use of gaming knowledge has drawn attention from local media, with many praising his calm under pressure.