Story By: Conor Sheils, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
These images show the injuries on the back of a jogger’s head after he was attacked by an aggressive buzzard that has been reported to cops.
Mattheo van Koeveringe, 21, was out running near his home in Oostdijk, Zeeland, Netherlands when he was suddenly attacked by the angry bird earlier this week on Tuesday.
Van Koeveringe suddenly felt a heavy blow to the back of his head.
Unable to understand what had just happened, the confused runner looked up to see an angry buzzard flying away.
However, just as he was about to continue his run, the flying attacker swooped in again for a second direct hit.
Speaking about the bizarre incident, Van Koeveringe told local media: “”After that first blow, I collapsed. Then I saw the buzzard fly away towards the high-voltage cables and then return and attack me again.
“After the second attack, I called my father. I didn’t feel like walking home under those trees anymore.”
The young man says he was shocked when he found the scratches on his skull as seen in these images.
Meanwhile, he says that while he will continue going outside after the attack, he plans to take a different route from now on.
He told local media: “For now, I’m taking a different route. The fear is still there a day later. There’s probably a nest somewhere and I got too close.”
According to forest ranger Marijke Lieman it is normal behaviour for the bird when protecting its young.
He told local media: “It’s a bird that protects its young. Some use dive bomb tactics, others lure the danger away. Another will go flat on the nest and try to hide and others attack. They’re like people when it comes to protecting their young.”
The victim says he has told a local police officer but “doesn’t know if they can do anything”.
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