KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Two hawks that have taken up residence near an East Tennessee apartment building aren’t taking chances when it comes to protecting their nest.
The red-shouldered hawks have been known to swoop down at nearby pedestrians.
The birds showed up near the Sequoyah Village Apartments in Knoxville about three weeks ago. The Knoxville News Sentinel reports several residents have been dive bombed - some hard enough to leave bruises or scratches. One passer-by was attacked from behind and went to the emergency room with minor puncture wounds.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency program manager Pete Wyatt told the newspaper that photographs of the birds suggest they are young and possibly lack experience with nesting.
The birds are known to defend their territory aggressively during nesting season, which peaks in March and early April. Usually, they prefer moist woods.
“They could be totally urban animals with no fear of people,” Wyatt said. “Red shouldered hawks normally are pretty shy.”
Since the birds moved to the urban area, fliers have been posted to explain the attacks and to warn children walking to and from school to watch out.
Sequoyah Village Apartments property manager Donna Gryder said people aren’t taking the attacks personally.
“Our residents think it’s fabulous that the hawks are nesting nearby,” Gryder said. “They’re not thrilled to have to duck and watch over themselves, but they wouldn’t want the birds moved, either.”
Federal law protects raptors such as the hawks and makes it illegal to harm them or disturb their nests.
Front Section, Pages 2 on 03/26/2012