Skiers Warned of Dive-Bombing Owl

Cross country skiers at Pineland Farm in New Gloucester are being warned of a dive-bombing owl. According to bangordailynews.com an aggressive owl swooped down and struck a man cutting his head and knocking his hat off.

The Campus Loop Ski Trail is a nesting and breeding area and owls are very protective of their territory. It’s believed to be a barred owl which mate and nest earlier than other owls.

From January to March, and particularly during the early morning and evening, owls can become aggressive as they defend their territory and nest.

This isn’t the first time owls have attacked cross-country skiers in Maine. In 2009, at least eight skiers and a few dogs were attacked by a great horned owl in Bangor City Forest.