SALEM, Ore. -- The City of Salem is posting unusual signs near a park and popular jogging hill, warning people that an angry owl could swoop down on them at any moment.
At least four people have reported getting scratched and scathed by the unusually aggressive owl over the past couple months near Bush's Pasture Park and Soap Box Derby hill.
Jogger Brad Hilliard lost his hat in the feathered flurry.
"I turned around and my favorite running hat was gone," Hilliard said. "I was just dumbfounded after the fact."
After news spread of the odd attacks, MSNBC's Rachel Maddow show picked up on it, causing the story to go viral online. Maddow created a funny sign and suggested that the city post it, to warn unsuspecting walkers and joggers.
Turns out, her idea had legs.
As for the ongoing owl mystery, Keith Keever with the Parks Operations Division said the barred owl is not native to the area. Keever said some members of the national Audubon society have speculated that there is more than one bird behind the crazy capers.
"One person thought that there was a bird at one of the owl life refuges that maybe someone released, but to be released in the middle of Salem is not likely," Keever said. "It is suspected that it's a matting pair establishing in a new area."
Keever said while owls are likely to become aggressive during mating season, they could also be defending a nest.
if you want to continue to follow the saga, the owl even has its own hashtag - just check #angryowl on Twitter.
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