'Attack Owl' Again Swoops Down on Trail Users

A new spate of attacks by the aggressive owl chasing users of the Capital Crescent Trail in Bethesda has spawned talks about possibly relocating the winged menace.

The young, barred owl has staked its turf along the trail just north of River Road and has been striking individuals from behind, a Montgomery County Parks official told Bethesda Beat. Signs are now up warning trail users of the owl, which is likely staking out its territory.

Montgomery Parks spokesperson Melissa Chotiner said the most recent incidents have occurred at dusk or dawn when the trail is officially closed. More signs are being placed to warn trail users of the “aggressive owl’s” behavior.

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Chotiner told Montgomery Community Media that parks officials are also exploring options to capture and relocate the owl. Such a step requires permits from federal and state agencies as well as specialized skills and equipment.

County officials said earlier this month that they hope the young owl will outgrow the behavior.

Almost all of the cases have been when it’s dark, at sunset or just before sunrise, just north of River Road. Avoiding the trail at those times should minimize further owl attacks.

Warning signs up along the trail say the young owl may mistake a runner’s swaying ponytail as prey.

The MoCo Owl Twitter account has taken a tongue-in-cheek approach to the feathered furor. The Twitter profile says: “I eat mice and regurgitate pellets. In between, I protect my turf from joggers.”

And on Friday the owl posted a poll with an alternative for capturing it.

On Twitter the owl posted this question: “To deal with the supposedly “aggressive owl” (aka, me) @MontgomeryParks should: Capture the owl or Declare Ntl preserve”

So far, as MoCo Owl noted, it’s not looking good for a national preserve. It tweeted: “@MontgomeryParks OK, I can do the maths and see that I’m the only one to vote for the first option.”