Multiple Bird Attacks Prompt Closure of Central Maine Hiking Trails

An unexpected aerial ambush at Bond Brook Recreation Area has led to the temporary closure of two trails. A bird of prey, believed to be fiercely guarding its nest, reportedly swooped down and attacked a trail runner, digging its talons into his head.

According to the Kennebec Journal, the runner ended up with several scratches and made a trip to urgent care to get them cleaned up and checked out. Thankfully, he's okay, just a bit rattled and with one heck of a story to tell.

Why are these birds attacking people on the trail?

This isn’t the first time this feathered menace has caused a stir. The same goshawk is believed to have nested and gotten a little too territorial in this part of the city-owned recreation area in previous years, too. The KJ went on to explain that Bond Brook’s network of trails is popular with hikers, runners and bikers, but it seems this particular bird prefers its solitude…and isn’t afraid to enforce it.

Staff naturalist at Maine Audubon, Doug Hitchcox, told the Kennebec Journal in part,

“They’re known as being super territorial on the nest, to the point they don’t care who is coming in, they’re going to be pretty aggressive about it. There is not much in the Maine woods I’m afraid of. I’m afraid of a mother moose (with her baby), and a goshawk on a nest. It’s two pounds of fury coming at you.”

Okay, so which trails should I avoid if I go walking on the Bond Brook trails?

The Western Way and Northern Exposure trails, just two of the many that crisscross the 300-acre Bond Brook Recreation Area, were shut down earlier this month. The closure aims to protect both the nesting bird pair and their young, as well as the folks using the trails who might prefer not to be dive-bombed mid-jog.

READ MORE: This popular Maine ice cream flavor is actually from Michigan!

The KJ reports that the birds have less than a month left before the young birds leave the nest and people will be able to use the trails again without the fear of being attacked by a bird.