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

Wyoming Sage Grouse (3)
Wyoming Sage Grouse (3)

Upland Birds of the Wild West

Big game attracts many hunters to the West, but the region is also home to some of the country’s best upland bird hunting.

Big Buck Business: Whitetail Gear Roundup

Have you noticed some holes in your deer kit this season? Some shortcomings that need addressing? Check out this roundup of whitetail gear tailor made for dropping big bucks.

NRA Foundation Donates $30,000 to Help Feed Missouri Families

The NRA Foundation has once again stepped up to fight hunger in Missouri, donating $30,000 to help feed children and families across the state through a partnership with the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM), Feeding Missouri, and the Share the Harvest Program.

New Video Demonstrates Benefits of School Programs on Conservation

The latest Partner With a Payer video released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service highlights the impact of youth shooting sport programs and the role they play in long-term conservation funding.

Hardware Review: Barnes Harvest Collection

Check out Bryce Towsley's review of this fall whitetail slayer from Barnes.

New for 2025: Alps OutdoorZ DU Legacy Line

For those seeking a fusion of classic looks and continued performance from their waterfowl hunting accessories, the Alps OutdoorZ’s DU Legacy Line Accessories are worth a look.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.