Latest news with #Harris'sHawk
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Hawk attack leaves pensioner in hospital
A pensioner was left with blood streaming down his face after becoming the latest victim of a hawk's reign of terror over villagers. In its latest attack, the bird of prey dive-bombed Jim Hewitt, 75, with its claws going through his cloth cap. The Harris's Hawk is thought to have attacked more than 50 residents – predominantly tall men – in the village of Flamstead, Hertfordshire. Some villagers are now calling for the hawk to be stopped by any means necessary. Speaking about the attack, Mr Hewitt told the BBC: 'There was so much blood, as I am on double blood thinners. It was a shock at first, and then I realised what had happened. 'God forbid it happens to a child. It could scar for life and could easily take a child's eye out.' He said he now believes the bird should be put down 'without a doubt, as it is getting serious'. Neighbour Lizzy Atkinson, who said Mr Hewitt looked like the victim of a 'knife attack', patched him up with a bandage before he went to see his GP and was sent to hospital. She said the situation was getting 'very dangerous now', adding: 'A gentleman came into the pub last week and said he had been attacked five times. 'If this was a dog that had bitten and drawn blood this many times then it would not be in the village any more.' The bird was first spotted in the area around two months ago. It now appears to now be going after women and children, having recently attacked an 11-year-old boy on his way home from the park. Flamstead parish council said it was 'very aware of the severity of the situation', but had no authority to terminate the bird. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The Independent
28-03-2025
- General
- The Independent
A wayward hawk has been attacking tall men - now the quiet town wants to save it
Villagers in a quiet Hertfordshire community are rallying to save a rogue hawk that has been divebombing unsuspecting locals, sparking both chaos and a campaign to protect it. The Harris's hawk, a bird usually native to Brazil, Argentina and Chile, has caused havoc in the historic parish village of Flamstead, swooping down and attacking tall men over the past month. Professionals and local falconers have been recruited in an attempt to bring the bird under control. Rhonda Draper, a resident of the village, has launched a petition to save the falcon, which she says 'deserves understanding'. The Harris's hawk is characterised by 'bold markings of dark brown, chestnut red, and white; long yellow legs; and yellow markings on its face', according to the birdwatching website All About Birds. There are believed to be thousands of Harris hawks in the UK, but only a few are known to be living in the wild. They can also be kept privately in the UK. Earlier this month the local parish council warned it was getting close to having to euthanise the bird following the number of attacks. Ms Draper said the escaped Harris hawk was struggling to readjust after captivity and should not be punished for its behaviour. She said a falconer was working to recapture the bird and urged the community to allow him time. Calling for support, she said wildlife experts should assess the situation to ensure the hawk's safe reintegration. 'I pen this as an earnest plea from a resident of a peaceful village that has recently become a haven for an escapee— a Harris's Hawk. 'This bird of prey, native to our region, has found solace among us after escaping captivity. However, its capricious behaviour, such as sporadic attacks on people and swiping hats has alarmed some.' 'Instead of a death sentence, it deserves understanding,' Ms Draper added. Their high intelligence has made them popular for falconry, with trained birds used to remove unwanted pigeon populations from Trafalgar Square and tennis courts at Wimbledon. The Flamstead resident continued: 'This issue personally hits me as I stand by the belief that every living being has a right to live - humans or wild animals - such as our Harris's Hawk. 'Hawks are beings of immense ecological value contributing significantly in controlling rodent populations. 'Punishing the bird for its former captor's negligence and not providing it ample chance and time to revert to its natural habitat is inhumane and unfair.' It is unknown where the Harris's hawk has come from, with the local zoo in Whipsnade confirming it was not one of theirs. Resident Roy Lambden, 68, previously told The Times he was out walking when he 'felt a whack' on his head, and soon realised he was bleeding. 'It was only from the corner of my eye that I realised it was a bird because I saw it fly away,' he said. 'I was one of the first to be hit by it. Since then, around 20 people I know have been attacked. Lots of bleeding heads — my friend who is bald has got two scars from it.'
