Owls Attacking People In DC: Report

WASHINGTON, DC — Owls have been on the attack in D.C. lately, according to a report.

The Washington Post reports that multiple locals have reported attacks from owls, which dive-bomb people and claw at their heads.

However, wildlife experts say there's no cause for alarm and that owls will sometimes get territorial, the report states. Barred owls can be found in parks all over the District.

Great horned owls and eastern screech owls also live in the area, and sometimes snowy owls will show up on rare occasions.

Owls tend to stay out of sight and avoid humans, but they may mistake people's hats for prey, or they may become territorial when joggers enter their area.

Attacks may often happen in the fall because that's when juvenile owls are beginning to mark their territory, which is critical if they want to find a mate. They are typically active after dusk and before dawn.