Protective owls dive-bombing park visitors

Protective owls dive-bombing park visitors

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Story Published: Aug 9, 2007 at 5:45 PM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 9, 2007 at 6:35 PM PDT

By KOMO Staff

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BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. -- They stand two feet tall, their wing span is five feet, and if they don't like you, get ready for a diving attack.

On Bainbridge Island some angry Owls are forcing hikers to run for cover.

They hide high in the trees, hovering above unsuspecting humans. And they're protective parents who don't like people in their path.

"I looked at it and it looked at me," said John Ginter. "I just heard feathers right as it was swooping over my head."

The owls are dive-bombing visitors at Gazzam Lake Park, forcing park workers to close one of the trails.

Barred owls can turn ugly when protecting their young, and have scratched joggers and dog walkers in the area.

"I got buzzed by an owl -- it came from behind me," Ginter said.

The owls normally prey on the frogs, rodents and birds in woods. They've also been known to go after bald men and pony tails.

"They removed a gentleman's hat and took it up into a tree with them," said park supervisor Roger Belieu. "But mostly they go for your head."

The island barred owl population is at an all time high of 61 right now, Belieu said.

The park trail is expected to be reopened by the end of August.

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