Rogue European eagle owl attacks in Dutch town see victims requiring hospital treatment
The northern Dutch town of Purmerend has advised residents to arm themselves with an umbrella when going out at night, after a mysterious spate of bloody rogue owl attacks. Over the last three weeks a European eagle owl, one of the largest owl species, has silently swooped on dozens of residents of the usually peaceful town, with many victims requiring hospital treatment.
The latest aerial assault saw two members of a local athletics club attacked, with one runner requiring stitches for six head wounds caused by the nocturnal bird of prey's talons. The club cancelled all training until further notice.
Residents and workers at Prinsenstichting home for the handicapped were left terrified following at least 15 attacks, spokeswoman Liselotte de Bruijn said. "During the day there's no problem, but at night we now only venture outside armed with umbrellas, helmets and hats, anything really, to protect ourselves," Ms De Bruijn said. "The problem is that you don't hear the owl before it strikes. Its claws are razor-sharp. "We hope the city will soon catch this rogue bird."
Purmerend city council said it was trying to find a solution. "We want to catch the owl as our city's residents are in danger," it said on its website, noting however that the European eagle owl is a protected species that requires special permission to be trapped. "These procedures can still take some time. Meanwhile, we are advising people to stay away from the owl."
The northern Dutch town of Purmerend has advised residents to arm themselves with an umbrella when going out at night, after a mysterious spate of bloody rogue owl attacks. Over the last three weeks a European eagle owl, one of the largest owl species, has silently swooped on dozens of residents of the usually peaceful town, with many victims requiring hospital treatment.
The latest aerial assault saw two members of a local athletics club attacked, with one runner requiring stitches for six head wounds caused by the nocturnal bird of prey's talons. The club cancelled all training until further notice.
Residents and workers at Prinsenstichting home for the handicapped were left terrified following at least 15 attacks, spokeswoman Liselotte de Bruijn said. "During the day there's no problem, but at night we now only venture outside armed with umbrellas, helmets and hats, anything really, to protect ourselves," Ms De Bruijn said. "The problem is that you don't hear the owl before it strikes. Its claws are razor-sharp. "We hope the city will soon catch this rogue bird."
Purmerend city council said it was trying to find a solution. "We want to catch the owl as our city's residents are in danger," it said on its website, noting however that the European eagle owl is a protected species that requires special permission to be trapped. "These procedures can still take some time. Meanwhile, we are advising people to stay away from the owl."