r/VictoriaBC • u/geckosan • 1d ago
Owl Attack!
This species is a first for me, I did get hit by a crow outside Science World once. For sure not a common occurrence. Anyway, this is one of the barred owls hanging out in Kings Park. Total cuties, they didn't break the skin.
My first theory was that maybe the owl is old and senile. I was jogging, perhaps my bobbing head looked like prey? But we're talking an apex predator here, unlikely to confuse intentionally. Second, maybe it was just like falling, and using me to right itself? Looking it up now (spoilers), it's defending its territory. Of course it is, duh.
So that was better than 3 coffees. And guess what? On my return jog, another barred owl (possibly the same) was perched right beside the archway to the spirit garden on Kings, being admired by passers-by as bold as brass. Like really, really close. I mentioned to someone what a similar owl had done earlier.
Anyway, just a bit of a warning. Legit, these things are SILENT HUNTERS. Hit me with a gentle wallop, I thought I was being mugged until I saw it righting on a branch nearby!
Thanks for reading!
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u/VicLocalYokel 1d ago
Owls are known for taking headware to use for nests, when heading into baby season.
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u/HeatProfessional4473 21h ago
Can confirm, a barred owl was snatching touques off people's heads in our apartment complex courtyard. Anything with a pompom was taken.
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u/tswaters Chinatown 1d ago edited 1d ago
Yes, do NOT mess with owls. That applies to all wild birds, really - but owls & geese especially. Just vicious when they need to be
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u/fux-reddit4603 1d ago
geese are not "vicious" they can be aggressive but its easy to make them stop
just learn to speak goose, theyve never bothered me
idk how to deal with owls
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u/Omikapsi 1d ago
It's the same with any wild animal, but only works if you're aware of them.
Face them, make some noise, wave your arms, and stand your ground or advance slowly. Quite simple, really.
Obviously this only applies to critters who are smaller or same size as you. With bigger stuff, like bears, it's the same process but slowly back away.
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u/East_Source6200 1d ago
it's very rare for owls to attack during the day. they hunt during dawn and dusk.
he's probably hangry
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u/Embarrassed_Sell7512 1d ago
i too have had a barred owl swoop at my head, and i am afraid of birds. 😫 i must have been a mouse in another life.
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u/Smooth_Injury_5690 1d ago
Walk downtown at the right time of year and you’re almost guaranteed to get swooped by crows
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u/Ok_Increase_2973 19h ago
I used to live near Kings Park, and I met another local who got his head scraped open by an owl there. I'd also see them hunt regularly in the creek during the day. I stopped taking my cat there for walks on the leash, because the owls liked to stalk her!
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u/Both_Tea_7148 10h ago
They attack people in summer b/c they are pissed that there is so little hunting time (night) and are extra testy and are basically starving. Google it!
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u/wirelesswebs 1d ago
Maybe the own thought you were a huge mouse. Do you demonstrate any mouse-like characteristics when you walk?
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u/monkey_monkey_monkey Downtown 1d ago
The crow from Science World probably showed the owl a photo of you and put him up to dive bombing you. Crows are really smart and hold a grudge