Pesky Owl At Bethesda Park Doesn't Give A Hoot About Runners

BETHESDA, Md. (AP) -- Montgomery Parks is warning people about a barred owl that has been attacking runners on the Capital Crescent Trail in Bethesda.

At least three runners have reported being attacked by a large bird, which one identified as an owl, while using the trail after nightfall or before dawn in the past two weeks. All of the runners sustained minor scratches when the bird swooped down from behind their heads.

Park spokeswoman Melissa Chotiner says barred owls are typically active at night and are territorial. She suggests making noise as the owl approaches and tucking in ponytails.

Park staff put signs on the trail Tuesday that say, "Caution! An aggressive owl lives here!"

A parody Twitter account, @moco--owl, began tweeting after the trail signs went up.

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