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fullscreen Golden eagles are found all over the globe – but attacks on humans are extremely rare. Archive image. Photo: Tom Stromme/AP/TT
In Norway, four eagle attacks on people have occurred within the space of five days.
– It is extremely rare. Something you haven’t really heard of before, says Niklas Aronsson, bird expert and editor at Birdlife Sweden.
Among other things, a two-year-old girl outside Trondheim was attacked by a golden eagle, as reported by the NTB news agency. But the attacks have taken place in several places. However, there are many indications that it is one and the same individual, a young female, who was also euthanized after the attack on the girl.
Bird expert surprised
But the attacks baffle bird expert Niklas Aronsson.
– The probability is non-existent. Eagles are basically very shy of people, he says.
What lies behind the behavior is difficult to understand – and even speculate about, Aronsson believes. A golden eagle could mistake a small child for another mammal.
– But that does not explain the other attacks on adults. There is no rhyme or reason that a golden eagle would attack an adult human.
Cannot lift heavy
Golden eagles have sharp talons that can do damage. But according to Aronsson, they don’t have the opportunity to lift very heavy, a maximum of three and a half kilos.
During the breeding season, you should avoid being close to nests. But you shouldn’t be afraid of eagle attacks, says Aronsson.
– It is important to underline that it goes against everything we know about the golden eagle.
An adult golden eagle can have a wingspan of just over two meters. The female is slightly larger than the male.
In Sweden, it breeds in the coniferous forest area and the mountains north of Dalarna and on Gotland. It feeds mostly on prey such as hares and hens, but also often eats the carcasses of larger animals.