Hostile Hoot Owl Mocks Local Woman

A barred owl in Hansville, Washington has a territorial feud ongoing with a local woman. The aggressive bird has attacked her twice – silent swoops from above that result in painful smacks to the back of her head – and biologists say such avian sorties will become more common.

“It felt like getting punched in the back of the head by someone wearing rings,” Kirsten Mathisen told NPR.

After the first attack, which Mathiesen was able to capture on film, she needed medical attention and a tetanus shot. A week later the white barred owl struck again, this time closer to home as Mathisen was on her driveway. 

Mathiesen took to social media to see if other people in the region were being whacked by owls. Yes, it turns out. A runner in West Seattle said she wears an owl mask on the back of her head to prevent attacks. The city of SeaTac has warning signs up in the park – “A very aggressive owl has been reported in this area. Please use caution or avoid this area until the owl moves on.”

But the angry birds aren’t going anywhere. Barred owls are “aggressive owls and they're highly territorial,” wildlife biologist Jonathan C. Slaght told NPR. “The more you reduce the places where an owl can nest, the more likely it's going to be nesting somewhere in close proximity to humans.”

Unprompted attacks from the sky notwithstanding, Mathisen remains pro-owl. She has changed her walking routes, wears a hat and carries an umbrella.

“I don't want the owl to be put down or something. It's very beautiful. It's just a pretty bitch,” Mathisen said.

Photo credit: Sandra Rothenberg / Audubon Photography Awards