Look out! A red-shouldered hawk is attacking pedestrians in a Titusville neighborhood
A red-shouldered hawk has taken matters into its own talons this past week in one Titusville neighborhood where it has possibly been protecting its nest.
Joggers and walkers are keeping their heads on a swivel in the Whispering Hills neighborhood off South Barna Avenue after the bird of prey has been reported swooping down and attacking people as nesting season is in full swing.
Terry Hayden walks in his neighborhood every day and this past week was clawed unexpectedly by the neighborhood hawk that has earned itself a reputation for its aggressive behavior.
"I got hit by a four-pound hawk. It flew down and hit me right in the back of the head. It put six claw marks in the back of my head and knocked me on the ground it was so hard," Hayden said. "I didn't know what happened." "We have a lot of hawks in the area... we believe there's a nest in the trees."
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Hayden said two other neighbors have been hit by the menacing raptor. One of the victims now wears a large, wide-brimmed hat to protect herself.
Neighbors like George Minto said the community has begun hypothesizing why the hawk may be out for blood. "Folks see the hawk sitting in his favorite tree and he will fly down and try to attack pedestrians. One theory is that tree trimmers destroyed this hawk's nest and it is out for revenge," Minto said.
From its vantage point in a Chinese tallow tree tressed with Spanish moss, the hawk can look serene even with its unforgiving eyes set menacingly under the overhang of its brows, giving the impression that its mission is more personal than practical.
That serenity combined with the natural splendor of its speckled plumage belies its recent bent towards violence, something wildlife experts say can happen more frequently this time of year.
Are hawk attacks rare?
According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, encounters with red-shouldered hawks are not unheard of. Nesting season is when hawks are at their most defensive.
"They may perceive people and pets as potential threats, and may swoop toward and dive at perceived threats from as far as 150 feet away from their nest," according to FWC.
How do I avoid hawk attacks?
The state agency has offered tips on how humans can properly manage unwanted hawk encounters:
Avoid areas near the nest, if possible. If you must venture closely to an active nest, carry an open umbrella, or wear a hard hat. Place signs in pedestrian areas to alert others to the presence of a nest and protective hawk parents.
Temporarily erect a shade structure to obstruct the birds’ view of people and pets.
An air horn may effectively deter birds that start to dive, but it is important to only use this device if a hawk is actively diving at you (and not just perched in a tree or nest).
During times outside of breeding season, trim branches near your home’s entrances and outdoor living spaces to minimize chances of hawks perching in those areas in the future.
Eliminate food sources that may attract prey, such as rodents, in your yard. Unsecured garbage, fallen bird seed and pet food are common household attractants that may entice prey species and other wildlife onto your property.
Secure livestock, particularly smaller stock such as chickens and rabbits, in a covered and fenced structure.
Hayden said that, despite the attacks, he doesn't plan on quitting his neighborhood walks but he will be more vigilant. "I just keep looking over my shoulder now. If I see him up there, I'll be ready for him," he said. "Duck or get ready to run."
Tyler Vazquez is the Brevard County and North Brevard Watchdog Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Vazquez at 321-917-7491 or tvazquez@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @tyler_vazquez
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Hawk attacks have Titusville, Florida residents on guard
