'Aggressive' owl dive bombs visitors at Everett, WA park

EVERETT, Wash. - Officials with Snohomish County Parks and Recreation are warning the public about an aggressive owl at a park in Everett. 

Officials said over the weekend that there had been reports of the owl dive-bombing people on the trails at McCollum Park. 

According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the owl could have been a barred owl or great horned owl.

There have been reports of an aggressive owl on the trails at McCollum Park in Everett.

The department also said territorial owl behavior isn't uncommon in the state and North America, and they act territorial in response to perceived disturbances near their nesting sites and within their territories.

These encounters are most likely in the late evening hours or during the early morning. 

Attacks are generally rare, but before owls attack, they may hoot repeatedly to warn a person away from their territory or nest, officials said. 

If the bird does attack or swoops toward humans, the department said people should wave their arms, protect their head and face and leave the area as soon as possible. 

Anyone who has an encounter with aggressive owls is asked to call 877-933-9847 or can report them on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildife's website.

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