Owls are known to be extremely aggressive and territorial birds. There have been many different reports saying people have been viciously attacked in parks by aggressive owls. Washington is known as a “home” to owls, there are over a dozen owl species located in Washington. This owl is known to mostly attack people located at South Whidbey Parks. This is not the only owl doing aggressive attacks though, there have been a few around pierce county and Lakewood as well. These owls are known to steal people’s hats, scratch them, and viciously swoop by groups of people. A woman in Washington reported she has been attacked by this owl twice. There was also a time in pierce county a teacher went on a run and was interrupted by the aggressive owl. 

Many warnings have been issued that around Washington parks you may experience territorial owls and they would advise you to stay away. Park officials stated to “Please avoid the trails in the areas indicated in red below. We can assume that owls are ranging outside this area, and you should too.” It is important that we respect these boundaries, so we do not harm the owls, or we do not put anyone else at risk. Owls are known to be very territorial because they have such a large, connected habitat. There are known to be over 200 owl species in many shapes and sizes. The owl likes to stay in contact with another and if they feel as if anyone is being harmed, they immediately attack. These owls also have a specific call they use to protect their territory. Please be safe!