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

Ledepass It On
Ledepass It On

RCBS Sponsorship to Help Expand Youth Hunting Opportunities

RCBS, a leading manufacturer of precision reloading equipment, is sponsoring efforts by Pass It On—Outdoor Mentors to expand its outdoor mentoring program. Through the partnership, RCBS will support the organization’s mission of pairing young people, many of them first-time hunters, with trained volunteers who provide hands-on experiences in hunting, shooting sports and conservation education.

Muzzleloader Turkey Tips

Looking to load up a black-powder scattergun to take a turkey this season? Here are a few tips for smoking gobblers the old way, with Mike Roux.

New for 2026: Badlands Air Series

When temperatures climb and the miles stack up, staying cool becomes critical. With this reality in mind, Badlands has introduced its new Air Series, a collection of ultralight hunting apparel designed specifically for warm-weather environments and high-activity hunts.

Range Review: Bond Arms Rustic Ranger

This double-barrel pistol from Bond Arms provides a touch of class along with rugged reliability. Read on for B. Gil Horman's thorough review.

First Look: Browning Trail Cameras' Cellular Security Box

Browning Trail Cameras has expanded its 2026 product lineup with the introduction of the Cellular Trail Camera Security Box, a purpose-built solution engineered to safeguard cameras in demanding outdoor environments.

Hunting Boot 101

Your firearm, your camo pattern, your shotshell or rifle cartridge, chosen optics, clothing material; all can seem insignificant if your boots aren’t doing their job. Read on for a thorough discussion of what you should look for in a hunting boot, depending on your hunting scenario, by veteran game stalker Phil Massaro.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.