SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. — The Snohomish County Parks Department is warning the public about an aggressive owl at McCollum Park in Snohomish County.
According to an alert sent Friday, the bird has been dive-bombing people on the trails.
Signs have been posted at the park to warn visitors.
According to Snohomish County Parks, territorial behavior from these birds is not uncommon. Often times owls do this in response to a perceived disturbance near their nesting sites.
Wildlife officials say that owl attacks are generally rare and that the birds will typically hoot repeatedly as a warning before doing so.
If runners, hikers, or others hear hooting, the department says they should cover their heads and try to move quickly to a safer location. If an owl does swoop, wildlife officials say to wave your arms to deter the bird and protect your head and face as much as possible.