Brent Matsuda said he’d seen signs at Squint Lake Park warning of an aggressive owl in the area, but he “didn’t think it would be a big concern” until his toddler was attacked Saturday afternoon.
We’ve all by now probably seen the leopard party meme. If not:
Barred Owls are one of the more territorial owls, and news of their aggression towards humans are not uncommon around breeding season (December to March) as owls protect their home territory.
In the full article the dad, who is said to be a biologist, ignored the signs warning of the Barred Owls, and let his toddler run loose. The child was cut by the owl’s talons, almost cutting his eye, and now the father is calling for the park to have the owl put down.
I know dramatic action is sometimes taken when a dog attacks someone, but dogs are domestic animals. I’m not sure punishing a wild animal for doing what is its nature is correct.
I try to avoid non-positive things here, but in looking up owl articles and such to share, there are many articles about barred owls and pedestrians getting into altercations. I’m curious as to what your opinions are in this. We’re probably all pro-owl here, but do you feel there’s a point where an owl can be problematic enough that some sort of action should be taken, and what should that action be?
Idk if owls can get rabies or something that may cause excess aggression and significant risk to anyone it attacks, that’s really the only circumstance I can think of where I would approve of exterminating an owl. This park is this critters home, this dumbass put his child at risk and doesn’t want to take the blame for ignoring clear signs. Also, the man is a biologist?? And he’s this dumb about animals? Must be a microbiologist or something lol
Rabies can only affect mammals, so owls and other birds are not a vector for that.
The most common thing a bird can give a human is salmonella. If you get scratched by a claw that has been in bird droppings, you could get that.
Other possibilities include influenza, West Nile Virus, and other bacterial infections, and worms.
If you did happen to get cut by any animal, I would think you would put something antibacterial on it.
I don’t want to risk doxxing the guy or anything, he’s obviously upset his kid got hurt, but he has been an ecologist and biologist for a very long time and lists himself as having experience with raptors. I think he’s just upset he let his guard down and isnt ready to accept responsibility yet.
Yes! I was so shocked when I read they were a biologist. Maybe they’re a “Marine Biologist” like George Costanza - only in their head lol
Good to see you stopping in again!
He does look to be someone that should know better. I’m giving him benefit of the doubt that he does know that, he’s just upset his kid got hurt. I don’t blame him for that, but I hope he relaxes his effort to get the owl put down. I think they should just call it even for ignoring the sign and to pay more mind in the future.