Wyndham council is asking residents to take additional care this swooping season to avoid becoming the victim of a magpie attack.
Magpies breed from August to October, and as they are very protective of their young, may swoop on intruders if they feel threatened.
Wyndham council director city operations, Stephen Thorpe said resident safety is “of the utmost importance” and council recommends avoiding areas where magpies are known to swoop.
“Parks, sporting grounds and nature strips are often where magpies nest during their breeding season,” he said.
“Magpies can become aggressive towards walkers, cyclists and pets whilst they protect and defend their nesting site and their young.
“If you must pass through the area – move calmly and quickly, do not run and cyclist should dismount and walk through the area. Cover your head and eyes with a hat and sunglasses or an umbrella.”
Mr Thorpe also recommends looking towards the bird if it is safe, as magpies are less likely to swoop if they think you are watching them.
“As a community it is important to appreciate that living alongside native wildlife is a positive aspect of urban environments and that we need to accommodate the natural behaviours of wildlife,” he said.
“Not all swooping magpies can be removed, and a permit is required from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to be assessed.”
The DELWP website also features a Swooping Bird Map, that shows locations where people have been swooped, so residents know to avoid or take additional care when traveling through specific areas.
There are currently four recorded magpie attacks in Wyndham, all of which occurred in Sanctuary Lakes.
Residents are encouraged to report cases of swooping magpies to help keep up with local swooping hotspots.
Details: www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/swooping-birds
