Golden Eagle Attacks 20-Month-Old Girl And Three Others In Norway, Leaving Deep Wounds
In southern Norway, a golden eagle didn’t just swoop through the mountains, it picked a fight with people, including a 20-month-old girl.
The family was dealing with the nightmare version of “out for some fresh air.” The toddler was outside playing on a farm in Oakland when the eagle came out of nowhere, clawed her, and left deep gouges that needed stitches. Her mother and a neighbor had to physically fight to get the bird off, and it reportedly came back more than once, even after someone chased it away with a stick.
Now the scariest part is how this eagle behaved, because it wasn’t only the girl, three others were attacked too, and the bird was eventually put down.
We can't even imagine how the parents of the 20-month-old girl felt in this scenario.
A young Golden Eagle attacked a toddler in Norway, leading to deep gouges that required stitches. An ornithologist stated that this is likely the bird's fourth attack on humans within a week.
The aggressive bird attacked over the course of five days across a vast mountainous area of southern Norway. The Golden Eagle is quite common in Norway, and they are often spotted, especially in mountainous regions.
The eagle is the second-largest bird of prey, feeding on smaller animals as well as foxes and sheep. Gamekeeper Per Kare Vinterdal ultimately had to put down the eagle and stated that the bird saw the toddler as "prey."
Vinterdal mentioned that the mother and a neighbor were able to get the eagle off the girl, but it "kept coming back" even though the "neighbor chased it away with a stick."
The Golden Eagle "likely had a behavioral disorder" that prompted its attacks, according to Alv Ottar Folkestad. He noted that this isn't normal behavior and that it most likely originated from the same female bird that was born this year.
"Details in the plumage make me believe it is the same bird. The plumage means that no two Golden Eagles are alike," Folkestad said. He also mentioned that conditions could have made it easier for the bird to fly longer distances.
This is one of the men that got attacked and caught the incident on camera.
The 20-month-old girl was outside playing on a farm in Oakland when the eagle "came out of the blue" and clawed her. The neighbor and mother tried to get the eagle off, but it returned three times before it was killed when struck with a piece of wood.
"The eagle came out of nowhere and grabbed our youngest daughter," said the father, who wasn't there at the time of the attack. "Her mother jumped up and grabbed hold of the eagle but had to fight to get it to let go. A neighbor also had to help her and our little girl."
Mariann Myrvang, who was also attacked, stated that "something big and heavy landed on my shoulders." She continued, "I went down on my knees because I couldn't stand up."
The eagle's claws went deep into her shoulders before her husband could remove the eagle with a stick. She later had to go to the hospital for penicillin and a tetanus shot.
The whole scene got even worse when the mother and neighbor grabbed the bird and it still “kept coming back” after the stick-chase.
And it wasn’t just that one farm incident either, the eagle was reportedly attacking over five days across southern Norway.
This is such an unfortunate event, and it's not something that you see every day either. It's interesting that animals can attack like this unprovoked, but we are just glad that everyone is safe and received the medical treatment they needed after the attacks.
It also echoes the terrifying Seaworld moment when an orca appeared with a trainer in its mouth.
Gamekeeper Per Kare Vinterdal had to step in and the eagle was put down after it was seen as “prey,” not a random wildlife moment.
This incident serves as a reminder that education about wildlife is crucial for preventing such dangerous encounters.
Creating awareness about local wildlife through community workshops can foster a broader understanding of how to coexist peacefully with nature. This proactive approach not only informs but also empowers individuals to enjoy outdoor activities responsibly.
Even the camera footage from one of the men who got attacked adds another layer to the “it came out of the blue” chaos.</p>
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife and the necessity for vigilance, especially when children are present. The attack by a golden eagle on a young girl and others underscores the urgent need for education about animal behavior and safety protocols in outdoor settings. Incorporating wildlife safety into family outings could play a critical role in preventing similar occurrences. Promoting awareness and respect for wildlife can significantly enhance both human safety and the well-being of these animals. By prioritizing education and fostering a culture of respect for nature, we can work towards minimizing such risks and encouraging safer interactions with the wild.
Nobody expects a golden eagle to treat a toddler like prey, and the family still can’t unsee it.
For another disturbing incident, read about the nine-year-old who strangles animals at a petting zoo.
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