Unusual Golden Eagle Attacks in Norway Raise Concerns
A series of golden eagle attacks in southern Norway, including one on a toddler, has puzzled experts. The bird, believed to have a behavioral disorder, was killed after multiple incidents.
In a series of unusual events, a young golden eagle launched multiple attacks on humans in southern Norway over a five-day period, culminating in an assault on a toddler. The incidents have left experts puzzled and raised concerns about the bird's behavior.
Alv Ottar Folkestad, an eagle expert with BirdLife Norge, stated that the attacks were likely carried out by the same female eagle born this year, possibly suffering from a behavioral disorder. Golden eagles, Norway's second-largest bird of prey, typically feed on smaller animals and occasionally foxes and sheep. These recent attacks represent a significant deviation from their normal behavior.
The most recent incident occurred on Saturday, September 7, 2024, when a 20-month-old girl was attacked while playing outside a farm in Orkland. The child's mother and a neighbor intervened, eventually killing the bird with a piece of wood after it attacked three times. The toddler required stitches for wounds on her head and face.
"The eagle came out of the blue and clawed her."
Several other attacks were reported in the days leading up to this incident. On Wednesday, September 4, Mariann Myrvang experienced a frightening encounter when the eagle landed on her shoulders. She described the event to NRK, saying, "I went down on my knees, because I couldn't stand up." Myrvang required medical attention, including penicillin and a tetanus shot.
Golden eagles are impressive raptors, with a wingspan of about 2 meters (6.5 feet) and weighing up to 5 kilograms (11 pounds) for females. These birds possess remarkable abilities, including eyesight approximately eight times sharper than humans and the capacity to dive at speeds up to 150 miles per hour. They are known for their strength, capable of lifting prey up to four times their own body weight.
While these attacks are highly unusual, it's important to note that golden eagles play a crucial role in ecosystems by controlling populations of small mammals. They are monogamous, often mating for life, and build massive nests called eyries that can weigh up to a ton. In some cultures, these majestic birds are considered sacred animals.
The recent incidents in Norway have prompted discussions about wildlife management and the need for further research into unusual animal behaviors. As golden eagles are protected in many countries, including under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States, balancing conservation efforts with public safety remains a priority for wildlife authorities.
