Outdoor centre warns skiers of dive-bombing owl

NEW GLOUCESTER, Maine – Officials at a Maine outdoor centre are warning skiers to watch out for an “aggressive dive-bombing” owl that recently struck a man.

Pineland Farms says in a Facebook post the owl cut the man’s head when it attacked, and neither skiers nor trail groomers have seen the bird since.

Pineland says the owl is protecting a nest near a cross-country ski trail. They believe the bird is either a barred owl or a great horned owl.

The centre has posted warning signs around the trail. They recommend people wave their arms overhead or wear a hat if they must pass by the area.

Pineland says “owls are silent when they strike, so you will not hear it coming.”