Owl Attacks Rabbit Trapper's Face

by
posted on February 28, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (14)

Kevin O'Neil of Nova Scotia can confirm that owl's do in fact have large talons.

He was en route to check his rabbit snares when he spotted a barred owl sitting in a tree. O'Neil says he "talked" to it. I have to wonder what he said, given what transpired 30 minutes later.

"On the way back to my truck carrying a couple of rabbits, a barred owl swooped down and struck me in the face," he told Nova News Now. “First it knocked me over in the snow but it didn’t go for the rabbits. It went right at my face. The pictures tell the rest—it was pretty freaky.”

Pictures of O'Neil's bloodied face are available here and here.

I have to say, the Canadian wilderness is not without its perils, but this is the first owl-on-trapper attack of which I'm aware.

H/T The Outdoor Pressroom

Latest

Alsaksa Range Mountains
Alsaksa Range Mountains

Restoring Hunting Rights: How a DOI Proposal Could Benefit Alaska’s Hunters

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (DOI) has proposed restoring state-aligned hunting regulations in Alaska’s national preserves marks a significant shift toward reducing federal overreach and empowering local hunters.

AI, Robots and the Future of Conservation

Is the future filled with AI robots using facial recognition to check your hunting license? Will a cloud of “smart” drones launch on opening day? And why can’t hunters buy one of those robotic mules designed for the Marine Corps to haul big game out of a wilderness? If you've ever wondered about any of the above, check out this latest piece from our own Guy Sagi.

Turkey Tactics: Scout Now for Spring Gobblers

Want to find success this spring? Get on the ground now and start scouting for those springtime Toms.

First Look: Ameristep Wide Bottom Blind

Ameristep has launched a new, oversized hunting blind for 2026, featuring all-over Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage. The Frontline Wide-Bottom Extreme accommodates up to three hunters along with all their gear.

Henry National Forest Foundation Rifle Series

Henry Repeating Arms has launched a new series of commemorative rifles to benefit the National Forest Foundation (NFF), the nonprofit partner of the United States Forest Service (USFS).

NRA Unveils NRA App

Your National Rifle Association (NRA) has unveiled its new official NRA App, which creates a whole new way to access magazine content, member benefits, legislative news and more!

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.