Owl attacks on Bolin Creek

Scoff at those who say an owl killed Kathleen Peterson, wife of Durham writer and erstwhile poitical candidate Michael Peterson. Now comes word of a barred owl that has attacked at least two people on Chapel Hill-Carrboro's Bolin Creek Trail.

Correspondent Debbie Meyer forwarded us correspondence between a man who was attacked by the owl and local wildlife veterinarian Bobby Schopler. (Debbie and Bobby write columns for the Chapel Hill News.) The bird drew blood and had also attacked another man's son.

"The wounds from an owl attack can be deep punctures," Schopler writes. "You should obviously wash it. Are you up on your tetanus shot? It is good for up to 10 years though I think the recommendation is a booster if you get a puncture wound after 5 years."

Schopler guesses the man got too close to the predatory bird's nest. This time of year owls are competing for places to set up nests and compete for mates, he says. They lay eggs in December, after which it can be dangerous to get too close again.

As for the injury, Schopler advises the man to make sure it doesn't become infected (spreading redness, heat, pain, possibly with discharge). If any of those signs occur, the man should see his doctor.