An aggressive bald eagle in Alaska has attacked several people in recent weeks, sparking controversy and prompting local authorities to issue warnings.
At least three local residents in Kodiak, located on an island of the same name in the Gulf of Alaska, have been attacked by the national bird recently. According to officials from the Kodiak City Port Authority..
The incident at St Herman’s Boat Harbour, also known as Dog Bay, left the victim bleeding and requiring stitches.
It is unclear why the majestic birds of prey are targeting humans, but local authorities are warning residents to be vigilant.
“We are advising port users in the area to exercise caution and avoid the area if possible, and port staff are asking them to hold something over their head when near the nest,” Port Master and Harbormaster David Johnson said. He told Fox News.
“Eagles are still behaving aggressively, but increased caution appears to have reduced the number of successful attacks compared to last week,” he continued.
“I don’t know why these free hens are so upset, but I hope they bounce back quickly,” Johnson added.
Steve Lewis of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said the attack was indeed “bizarre” for the Kodiak region. [FWS] A biologist who studies eagles and other birds of prey.
He told local news outlet KMXT that bald eagles typically aim for “the highest point visible to the human eye” and that people walking near the harbour should hold something over their heads for protection.
Bill Prout, a crab boat captain and Kodiak Island resident, told Fox News he was attacked by a bald eagle on the same pier in August 2022.
“It felt like someone hit me in the back of the neck with a 2-by-4,” he said.
“I’ve walked this pier for over 40 years and never expected to be attacked by a bald eagle, that majestic symbol of our freedom,” Prout said.
Prout believes the attacks are the result of a dwindling food supply as the bird’s population grows.
A fully grown bald eagle measures 30 to 40 inches from head to tail, has a wingspan of 7 to 8 feet, and weighs 8 to 14 pounds. According to the FWS.
They live lifelong, can live up to 30 years in the wild, and feed primarily on fish, but have also been known to eat ducks, rodents, snakes and carrion.
