Originally Posted by 1minute
Quote
Did you try to pet it?

A crew of us once picked up a golden that had a broken wing. When we had it surrounded, it grabbed a sagebrush with a single foot. We had to break both sides of the trunk off to bag it, as no amount of effort could get those talons loose. Following that experience, I'll never let a large raptor get a grip on me. I believe those talons are physically locked, and it takes a conscious effort for them to let go.


Owls have pretty tough talons, too. And nesting owls are known for being very aggressive toward people who walk near the nesting areas. We had a nesting owl near Anchorage, Alaska that attacked a few hikers who got too close. One of them had no idea that there was a nesting owl nearby until the owl attacked from behind and ripped the stocking cap he was wearing-off his head. In the process the owl left several deep gashes on the guy's head that require a few stitches. He bled profusely on his way to the hospital.

Last edited by Ray; 04/10/17.