Ok, this is the 7th 9th 11th time we’ve heard of owls attacking local runners.
[updated map below…]
To clarify, attacking has mostly meant going after women runner ponytails (look like a squirrel tail??)
Luckily, we have yet to hear of any serious injuries.
Mostly just screams of terror (understandable).
Below, you can read direct quotes from runners who have reached out to use with their stories.
“I was attached twice on the same morning by an owl on East Ridgelawn last week. He was out today on the corner of Old Shell and Marston Lane but I only heard him. He was very vocal but never swooped! He attacked a friend of mine on Marston Lane on Friday.
Barbara M.
A couple of years ago, an owl attacked me on Tuthill Lane…. Quite startling and yes, I have a long ponytail!”
But these owls are getting smart.
Just when we thought the owl was a Spring Hill owl, we realized he might have midtown connections.
“I have been attacked multiple times by an owl at old shell and ann street and so has my friend. It has been a few months but there is one there.”
Jeffrey K.
And it’s time to fight back.
We’re gonna map out these attacks and come up with a strategy.
Here’s the latest attack we heard about.
“I was buzzed by an owl while taking a walk at 6:30am last week at the corner of Ryan and DeLeon Avenues in Ashland Place neighborhood in midtown. A neighbor I saw also out walking said he was attacked as well, and that she has a nest in one of the oaks at that corner.”
Chrissy S.
Ok, we’ve got a few more!
“Add another runner attacked by the owl. It got me this morning at the corner of Bexley Lane and E. Carmel Dr in Springhill. It went for my ponytail and grabbed my hat and hairband.”
Lisa D.
“I have been attacked (actual physical contact) by owl(s) twice on Carlen Street near Clairmont when jogging early in the morning 4-5 a.m.”
Art C.
“My husband was attacked by an owl while running up the bexley hill around 6:30 pm tonight. It attacked from behind and took his favorite hat off his head. He waited 5 minutes for the owl to drop the hat !”
We asked if he got the hat back…
“Yes! He waited at the bottom of the tree for five minutes with some on lookers who ran up to the scene. . It was his favorite hat – Boston marathon hat ! Also heard another runner was attacked twice this morning and has marks on his head from the owl. “
Taylor B.
Wade S. was attacked and was able to snag this owl photo!
Add one to the runner attacked by owl count! I was attacked by a quite relentless owl this morning (4:30am) at the corner of Savannah and Chatham in OGD. It swooped down and grabbed the back of my head/ponytail 2-3 times, following me for a little over a block. Honestly, I feel lucky to have made it out with just a few minor scratches!
Jamie C.
My husband was struck last week on a walk at 6am. It happened at Bit and Spur and Westgate. He can point to the tree the owl is in.
I mean, is it just one owl that’s really hungry and moving around?
Are there dozens of owls having classes on how to do this stuff?
And remember this owl?
Maybe he’s the one training our local owl population??
We see that hat.
Looks pretty smart.
So, if you know of local attacks, let us know.
We’re going to get to the bottom of this.
