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mog
Seasoned Reporter
United Kingdom
232 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 26 2008 : 11:43:57
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British village terrified by giant eagle owl that swoops on children and small animals
Last updated at 14:49pm on 18th April 2008 mail online
Comments (1)
A sleepy Domesday village is being terrorised by a giant owl that is targeting pets and children.
The European eagle owl has been swooping on animals and small children in the village of Harthill near Rotherham in its search for food.
So far the bird, believe to be a female, has tried to attack a three-year-old child as well as cats and dogs, although no children or pets have been actually harmed.
The bird, which has a 6ft wingspan and razor sharp talons that can puncture steel sheeting and a high-pitched screech that sounds like a car alarm, has left villagers in fear.
Matthew Bacon, who has two Siamese cats, said: "There was a noise like a car alarm so I looked out of the window to see if it was one of our cars and I realised it was very loud and coming from some kind of bird.
"I banged on the window and this huge owl flew off our house and onto another one nearby. It must have had a six foot wingspan, I couldn't believe it.
"It's become quite a local celebrity but people are worried about what it could do. Everybody piled out of the pub the other night to have a look at it."
Colleen Wilson, who runs a local animal rescue centre, said: "This is not an aggressive bird but in the wild it would kill foxes or deer fawn so anything up to the size of a labrador dog could be prey if it gets hungry.
"She seems to be attracted to youngsters . We believe she may have been owned by a family and is familiar with children as a result.
"She wouldn't naturally attack them but it did try to land on a three year old child and the fear is that she might accidentally hurt somebody.
"It may have been owned illegally which is why no one has come forward."
Her husband Graham has been stalking the bird in an attempt to catch it but has so far failed.
Mrs Wilson added: "He has tried all ways to coax her down but children seem to be the most effective lure so far."
Letters have also been sent to parents of children at the local Junior School advising them to keep children clear of the bird.
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..."He has tried all ways to coax her down but children seem to be the most effective lure so far." 
Images of kids tied to sticks comes to mind.
RUN FOR YOUR SOUL, THE HARTHILL MONSTER IS ON THE LOOSE, AHHHHHHH!!!!
Actually, that not that far from our village.........
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Edited by - mog on Apr 26 2008 11:47:34 |
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British village terrified by giant eagle owl
