Moose Kicks Hiker After Charging at Him in Montana

A moose has kicked and injured a hiker in Montana after charging at him and his companion, state wildlife officials reported. The incident occurred on January 27 near the town of Ennis in the southwest of the state, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (MFWP) said. The two men, who are in their 70s, were hiking along U.S. Forest Service Trail 6317—popularly known popularly as the "Jack Creek Trail"—around 10 miles east of Ennis when they encountered a bull moose standing a few yards to the side of the path. After spotting the two hikers—who have not been identified—the startled moose charged at them. In response, the men rushed to find a safe place to hide, with one standing behind a tree while the other took cover underneath a fallen tree. The moose approached the man who hid under the tree and kicked him leaving the hiker with non-life threatening injuries...MORE

Honestly Honey, I was just taking a hike and got kicked by a moose!

How does the writer know the moose was "startled"? No such emotions are ascribed to the victims. Does the writer believe a "nonstartled" moose wouldn't have attacked?

All readers of THE WESTERNER now know an important fact. If you startle a moose, hide behind the tree, not under it.