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‘Aggressive,’ Hat-Loving Owl Turns Park Into a No-Man’s Land

‘WEAR PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR’

Park officials in Washington state are urging visitors to avoid certain danger zones and carry an umbrella to protect their heads.

Vilma, an injured Barred Owl, is seen at the Raptor Trust, a bird sanctuary and rehabilitation center in Millington, New Jersey, Dec. 12, 2006.
Mike Segar/Reuters

An “aggressive” owl with a penchant for stealing people’s hats has turned parts of a Washington state park into dangerous no-go zones. Officials at South Whidbey Community Park in Langley issued a safety warning for visitors after up to 10 people reported scary run-ins with the animal, The Olympian reports. Carrie Monforte, the recreation supervisor at the park, said the owl has repeatedly dive-bombed people and made off with their hats or scratched up their heads. The owl is thought to be protecting a nearby nest. “If you are on trails in the area, use an umbrella, cover your head, wear protective eyewear, and protect your pets, especially small animals,” park officials said in a statement accompanied by a map showing several no-go areas. “Please do not come to the park to find the owl(s).”

Read it at The Olympian

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