Bird attacks on humans becoming more common, experts warn
‘As available nest sites become harder to find these interactions will increase,’ says Dr Steve Portugal
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bird attacks on people are getting more common according to wildlife experts who say the creatures are particularly likely to dive bomb those straying onto their territory at this time of year.
Many birds of prey and seabirds are defending their eggs and young against intruders, according to Dr Steve Portugal, an ecophysiologist from Royal Holloway University of London.
“Great Skuas in particular are renowned for dive-bombing anyone that gets too close to the nest, and colonies of Arctic Terns will protect their babies by aggressively mobbing any intruders," he told The Independent.
He added: “As available nest sites become harder to find due to habitat loss, it’s likely that these interactions between diligent bird parents and humans will increase”.
Earlier this year, Tom Ellis from Prestatyn in Wales was advised by the council to put up umbrellas to prevent sea gulls from mobbing him around his home. He said the birds nesting on his roof had turned aggressive after their chicks hatched leaving him scared to leave the house.
Andrea Jones, director of bird conservation at the US National Audubon Society told BBC that attacks were definitely rising.
Like Dr Portugal, she said this was largely caused by humans encroaching on bird habitats.
She also believes people are more aware of these interactions because they are being shared on social media.
In Vancouver there is a website called CrowTrax where people can log these incidents which are then put on an online map. Since the website was created in 2016 more than 5,000 reports have been logged.
Ornithologists often wear hard hats when checking nests for chicks and Ms Jones says she was attacked by common terns in Massachusetts while doing her latest research.
However, these attacks – which normally happen when the bird flies into someone’s back or pecks at their head – are unlikely to cause injury.
Experts say the best way to stop a bird attacking is to leave their territory. Birds are also less likely to attack if you keep them away from your line of sight.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments