LANGLEY, Wash. — An "aggressive and territorial owl" prompted a warning to park-goers in Langley this week.
The South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District posted on Facebook that some people had reported "interactions" with the owl in two specific areas of the park. The district said they assume the owls are ranging outside of those areas as well.
Park-goers are asked to either avoid those areas of the park or walk with umbrellas, wear protective eyewear and protect their pets, especially small ones.
The district also asked people not to come to the park in an attempt to see the owl or owls and allow their nesting season to progress peacefully.
The district did not specify which type of owl has been spotted at the park, but according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), barred owls or great horned owls are the most likely to display aggressive behavior when protecting their territory or their young.
Owls are known to engage in "belligerent behavior" like attacking creatures many times their size when protecting their homes, mates or young, according to WDFW.
If possible, it's best to steer clear of nesting areas with aggressive birds until their young are flying, which can be around three to four weeks after they hatch. After that, parents aren't quite as protective.
Anyone who has to walk through an aggressive owl's territory is recommended to wave their arms slowly overhead to keep the birds at a distance. Wearing a helmet, hat or carrying an umbrella can also help.