Residents of a small Leicestershire village are being terrorised by an aggressive buzzard that has been diving at people almost daily.
The bird of prey has made life difficult for those living in Coleorton, with one man suffering serious injuries during a recent attack.
The victim was left with deep lacerations stretching from his forehead to the top of his skull after the buzzard struck him with its talons.
Photographs captured following the incident reveal the severity of the wounds inflicted by the raptor.
The attacks have become so frequent that villagers now live in fear of using certain pathways.
Samantha Thorpe, 36, who lives near where the buzzard nests, described the relentless nature of the attacks to Leicestershire Live.
She told the Telegraph: “It tends to swoop down and just attack anyone who walks through the pathway.
“I see people being swooped at almost every day, it’s that bad.”
Residents of a small Leicestershire village are being terrorised by an aggressive buzzard
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GETTY
Ms Thorpe explained the problem has persisted annually since she moved to the area in 2020.
The situation has grown so dire that parents have forbidden their children from venturing along the footpath where the bird makes its home.
Cyclists have also fallen victim, with one rider being knocked from their bicycle during an assault.
Ms Thorpe said: “I don’t go up this path any more.”
The bird of prey has made life difficult for those living in Coleorton
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She added: “I have two kids and I don’t let them go up there either, it’s just too dangerous and my neighbours are of the same opinion.”
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds believes the buzzard is most likely breeding and acting on instinct to protect its young.
An RSPB spokesman said: “Aggression can often be caused when birds feel threatened or are protecting their young.
“When faced with a bird showing aggressive behaviour, the best thing is to give them space, avoid the immediate area and even take an alternative route.”
The attacks have become so frequent that villagers now live in fear of using certain pathways
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GETTY
The Coleorton feature a stocky body, broad wings, and a short, fanned tail.
Their plumage is highly variable, ranging from uniform dark brown to pale cream shades.
They are famous for a loud, piercing, cat-like mewing call.
While they prefer small mammals like voles and rabbits, they will readily eat earthworms, amphibians, and carrion when other food is scarce.