The season of the owl continues, with additional owl vs. human incidents this time in Duvall. Other attacks have been reported recently in Sammamish and Kirkland.
Mike Eck told Patch he was attacked by an owl on Sunday, Nov. 4, around 8 p.m. while on the Snoqualmie Valley Trail in Duvall. "The owl landed on my head and gave me multiple puncture wounds on my scalp," Eck said.
He's currently out of town, but said his wife has heard of additional incidents in that area, as well.
The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife says loud noises like yelling or clapping loudly can scare an aggressive owl away, and offers more tips here. It's also a good idea to wear a hat, broad-brimmed if possible.
The behavior is likely caused either by adult barred owls protecting their young due to an unusually long hatching period, or young owls attempting to establish territory, the department said. Such incidents are unusual, but do occur. A few years ago several minor attacks were reported at Saint Edward State Park on Finn Hill.
