'Aggressive' Owl Reported At Mercer Island Park

MERCER ISLAND, WA - This is no joke. There's a very territorial barred owl living at Pioneer Park, and he can hurt you.

The owl has reportedly swooped down on runners and walkers in the park. Barred owls have sharp talons that can wound you. The city parks department has placed signs around Pioneer Park to warn visitors of the dangerous bird of prey.

Some tips to avoid an attack, according to Mercer Island officials: avoid the park at dawn or dusk; wear a hood or some kind of head covering; don't wear headphones; and leave the area if the owl is acting aggressively toward you.

Barred owls are pretty common in the Pacific Northwest, but the birds are much more common in the Northeast and Southeast. The owls hunt small rodents, usually at night.

But take notice: if you hear the "rich baritone" of the barred owl (that's how the Audubon Society describes the bird's hoot), its talons could be coming for your neck.

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