Feathers ruffled on Halifax trail after rare owl attacks

Hannah Baillie had a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with an owl while out for a run on Halifax’s B.L.T. trail. She had never seen an owl in the wild before, so when she spotted one perched on a tree, she was thrilled to get a close-up photo. Little did she know that this encounter would take a bizarre turn.

As Baillie continued her run, she suddenly felt something hit the back of her head. Startled, she turned around to see a large bird behind her, seemingly targeting her ponytail. Describing the sensation as similar to someone grabbing her hair with long nails, Baillie was understandably shaken.

After the initial shock wore off, Baillie realized that the owl had mistaken her ponytail for prey and was swooping down on her. The bird made a second attempt, prompting Baillie to scream for help. Thankfully, two walkers nearby heard her cries and came to her rescue with lights, causing the owl to retreat.

Butch Galvez, a wildlife technician, explained that such behavior is rare but not unheard of. Raptors like owls may dive-bomb people out of territorial instincts or confusion, mistaking hair accessories for prey items.

Baillie, after consulting with the Department of Natural Resources, concluded that her swinging ponytail had likely triggered the owl’s attack. Galvez suggested that the owl in question was probably a barred owl, known for their territorial behavior.

Interestingly, Baillie wasn’t the only one to have a run-in with a barred owl on the same evening. Another jogger, David Regan, experienced a similar encounter when an owl grabbed his head before flying off. Like Baillie, Regan escaped without serious injuries.

Reflecting on her ordeal, Baillie now advises others to be cautious when running in areas known for owl activity, especially at night. She humorously refers to the owl that attacked her as “The Hootlum” and suggests avoiding the area if possible.

Ultimately, Baillie’s unexpected encounter serves as a reminder of the wonders and surprises that nature can bring, even during a routine run. By staying informed and aware of their surroundings, runners can better navigate encounters with wildlife and ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.