World

‘Hormonal’ Hawk Attacks Bald Men in Weeks-Long Reign of Terror

WINGING IT

The animal escaped captivity before wreaking havoc on the small community of Flamstead in Hertfordshire, England.

A Harris Hawk named Jesse flies at a falconry demonstration during International Vulture Awareness Day, outside Zurrieq, on the southern coast of Malta, September 5, 2009. Members of the Fridericus Rex Malta Falconers,  which is affiliated to the International Association for Falconry and the Conservation of Birds of Prey, took part in the event to raise awareness on the need to protect vultures around the world. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi (MALTA ANIMALS ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY) MALTA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN MALTA
Darrin Zammit Lupi/REUTERS

A hawk with a propensity to dive-bomb and attack bald heads has finally been captured after terrorizing a British village for weeks. The bird of prey drew blood from several of its 50 or so victims in Flamstead, Hertfordshire, after escaping captivity, the BBC reported. Falconer Alan Greenhalgh blamed the male bird’s behavior on its hormones. “If he wanted to grab anybody, he would grab them. But all this dive bombing, I think it’s hormonal, courtship because it’s only started happening in the last couple of weeks, breeding season,” he told the British broadcaster. Resident Steve Harris captured the hawk by throwing a cage over it when he spotted it in his garden. He’s now a local hero, with his local council praising his “quick thinking.” Jim Hewitt, 75, who was attacked by the bird on the way to a local store, said he was “delighted” to learn of its capture on Tuesday. “I had to be careful and cautious—the sensible thing was to drive to the shop, but I won’t get beaten by a poxy bird," he said.

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