If you’re a longtime Whatcom County resident or a regular peruser of the Bellingham subreddit, you might have heard rumors of owls descending from the sky, scraping their talons along the skulls of innocent hikers and runners.
High in the trees above Bellingham’s numerous trails, you’ll likely find barn, barred and great horned owls nesting in the branches, said Robert Waddell, District Wildlife Biologist for Skagit and Whatcom Counties of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
In the wintertime, owls establish their nests, lay eggs and raise the next generation of dive-bombers, according to the WDFW website. During this time, they might become extra aggressive and attack anything that encroaches on their territory, like a passing runner.
For maximum protection from their flapping wings and sharp talons, WDFW recommends that you wear a helmet or wield an umbrella while exploring owl-inhabited areas.
As urbanization and growth in the Bellingham area continues, human and wildlife interactions will only increase.
“Even though certain species — like deer, raccoons and barred owls — may become accustomed to people, that doesn’t mean they won’t become aggressive in specific circumstances, especially during breeding periods or while rearing young,” Waddell said.
On the flip side, just because you find an owl or other creature in the wild, it does not mean that the owl will instantly attack you.
“It’s important to note that if you come across a barred owl or great horned owl in Bellingham, in the vast majority of cases you’ll have an enjoyable experience viewing these unique birds,” Waddell said.
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