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

35 Whelen M77 With Ammunition
35 Whelen M77 With Ammunition

The Colonel’s Caliber in an Interesting Rifle—.35 Whelen

“Only accurate rifles are interesting.” Townsend Whelen

New for 2026: Beretta A400 Solo

Beretta USA has launched the A400 Solo, a new semi-automatic shotgun engineered for hunters who demand performance in the harshest conditions. Built on Beretta's A400 platform and packed with the company's latest advancements, the A400 Solo combines Beretta's B-Link Pro gas-operating system, Steelium barrel technology and Kick-Off Plus recoil reduction system into one dependable platform.

Know How: Find Your Long-Range Limit

Curious where your ethical limit is in the field? Mark Kayser shows you exactly how to find it.

Smith & Wesson Honors America's 250th Anniversary with Limited-Edition Model 1854

Smith & Wesson has announced the launch of its America 250 Limited Edition Model 1854 rifle, created to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

#SundayGunday: Fiocchi Hyperformance Hunt

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out an excellent hunting round from Fiocchi: Hyperformance Hunt. Designed for intense terminal performance at standard to long hunting distances, the Hyperformance Hunt line comes loaded with either a Hornady SST Polymer Boat-Tail bullet, a Swift Scirocco Boat-Tail Spitzer, or a Barnes TTSX Polymer Tipped Copper HollowPoint. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

First Look: Eylar X Brownells 250th Anniversary Rifle and Pistol Cases

Eylar has launched its 250th Anniversary rifle case and pistol case, created in partnership with Brownells to celebrate America's 250th anniversary in 2026. Featuring patriotic artwork, tan hard-shell construction and purpose-built foam interiors, the commemorative cases offer firearm owners a distinctive way to protect and transport their gear while honoring a major milestone in American history.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.