Bird Vs. Human: Buzzard Attacks Runner That Left Him Traumatized With Six Holes in His Head

Buzzards, typically known for avoiding humans and feeding on dead animals, have demonstrated their capacity to attack runners, as evidenced by a recent incident.

BBC News reported that a runner named Ewan Cameron was targeted by the bird of prey while out for a run in Friockheim, Angus, resulting in painful claw marks on his head. Subsequent to sharing his ordeal online, other runners came forward with accounts of similar attacks. According to Mr. Cameron, the sensation felt like being struck in the back of the head.

Bird of Prey Commonly Attack Runners

Cameron told BBC Scotland's Drivetime that, while on a three-mile run outside his village, he experienced the attack by the buzzard, with its sharp talons leaving around six holes in his head. Surprisingly, this was not the first encounter Mr. Cameron had with the bird, as it had previously swooped in on him twice.

The incident gained attention online, with numerous other runners sharing similar experiences of being targeted or swooped at by buzzards, leaving some traumatized and anxious about running in rural areas.

Buzzards are the most common and widespread birds of prey in the UK, with wingspans ranging from 48 inches to 60 inches. Paul Reynolds from the New Arc Wildlife Center in Aberdeenshire explained that such attacks are not frequent occurrences, and people should consider taking precautions when buzzards are nesting, which typically occurs from mid-April to the beginning of May. This includes avoiding nesting areas and, if necessary, wearing a helmet or cap for protection.

While incidents, like this, raise concerns, Reynolds highlighted that more injuries are caused by cows than bird-of-prey encounters. Nonetheless, it is important for individuals to be aware of nesting seasons and take appropriate measures to mitigate potential conflicts with wildlife.

Why Do Buzzards Attack Humans?

According to Optics Mag, buzzards are just like other wild animals that typically avoid human interactions and prefer to prey on animals weighing up to 1.5 pounds.

Although they occasionally target gamebirds, it forms only a small portion of their diet. Carrion is a significant food source for these predators, and they often wait for the dead animal to decompose before consuming it for easier digestion.

This bird of prey is generally non-aggressive, but it may exhibit defensive behavior when protecting its offspring. These defensive attacks are more likely to occur during the breeding season when they are particularly vigilant for potential threats.

In general, buzzards do not pose a threat to humans or larger pets. Their primary targets are smaller creatures, such as rats, beetles, frogs, snakes, weasels, and hares. Therefore, pets belonging to these smaller animal categories are advised to be kept indoors to safeguard them from potential predation by these birds.

Check out more news and information on Birds on Science Times.