Golden Eagle Attacks Toddler and Three Others in Norway; Expert Suspects Disorder

A young golden eagle has been involved in a shocking incident in Norway, attacking a toddler and inflicting significant injuries that required stitches. This event marks the eagle’s fourth attack on humans within a week, raising concerns among wildlife experts.

The aggressive behavior of the young golden eagle has been noted across a wide mountainous region in southern Norway over a span of several days.

Typically, golden eagles are common in Norway and rank as the second-largest bird of prey in the country. They usually prey on smaller animals, including foxes and sheep. However, this particular eagle has caused injury to both the toddler and other victims, all of whom required stitches and medications for their wounds. The attack on the toddler led to the eagle being killed shortly afterward.

According to Alv Ottar Folkestad, an expert on eagles with BirdLife Norge, the bird may be suffering from a behavioral disorder that explains its atypical aggressiveness. He described the events as “radically different from normal” and suggested that all attacks likely involved the same female eagle born this year.

Folkestad explained that distinctive features in the eagle’s plumage support his belief that it is the same bird. Golden eagles have unique plumage patterns, making identification possible when observing specific details. He also noted the recent favorable weather conditions with high-altitude winds, which may have allowed the eagle to travel extensively across southern Norway.

The latest attack occurred when a 20-month-old girl was playing outside her home in Orkland, a small municipality in southern Norway. The eagle swooped in unexpectedly, striking her with its claws.

Although the father was not present during the incident, he later shared with Norwegian broadcaster NRK that the mother and a neighbor rushed to confront the eagle. Reports indicate the bird attacked multiple times before ultimately being subdued after being struck with a piece of wood.

As a result of the attack, the girl required a few stitches in the back of her head, while also sustaining scratches under her chin and on her face, with one wound notably close to her eye. Fortunately, both the girl and her mother are reported to be recuperating well.

The identity of the toddler and her family has been kept private, as they have requested no further contact from the media. Local police have acknowledged the attack but have limited information available, mentioning that a gamekeeper has been notified about the incidents.

In addition to the young girl, three other individuals have reported being attacked by the eagle. One notable incident was captured on video by a man documenting the occurrence.

One of the victims, Mariann Myrvang, recounted her experience to NRK, stating that she panicked when she felt “something big and heavy” land on her shoulders. She described her inability to stand, eventually dropping to her knees in shock.

My husband, armed with a branch, managed to chase the eagle away, but not before Myrvang suffered deep claw wounds. She subsequently received treatment that included penicillin and a tetanus shot at a local hospital.

The golden eagle is a magnificent creature, typically measuring between 80 to 93 centimeters in length, or about 2 feet 7.5 inches to 3 feet long, with a wingspan reaching approximately 2 meters or 6.5 feet. Males tend to be smaller, weighing between 3 to 4 kilograms, while females can weigh up to 5 kilograms.

This series of unusual attacks has raised concern among residents and wildlife experts alike, prompting discussions on the behavior of the eagle and the potential risks to humans in the area.

Source: Associated Press