Residents of the Sárberki housing estate experience multiple crow attacks, leading to hospitalizations and heightened fears.
Tatabányá, Hungary, has been facing increasing alarm among residents due to a series of incidents involving aggressive crow behavior in the Sárberki housing estate.
Recent reports indicate that multiple individuals have suffered attacks from crows, including a serious incident where an elderly woman was hospitalized following an encounter with the birds.
The situation has prompted significant concern among locals, particularly parents with children, as the area contains a kindergarten and playground.
In response to the heightened agitation, experts from the Hungarian Ornithological Association have clarified that the crows are not exhibiting intentional aggression towards humans.
Instead, they are acting impulsively to protect their young chicks during a critical period of learning to fly.
This instinctive behavior includes defending their nests from perceived threats, which may lead to aggressive actions aimed primarily at the heads of individuals who approach too closely.
Zoltán Orbán, a spokesperson for the association, emphasized that the observed behavior is a natural defensive mechanism rather than an attack aimed at humans.
He noted that the parent birds attempt to intimidate potential intruders by targeting their heads during their defensive flights.
Residents have reported a distinct change in the auditory landscape of their neighborhood; the usual sounds of barking dogs and children playing have been overshadowed by the cawing of crows.
While current conditions have stabilized and there have been no recent attacks, experts caution that future incidents remain possible.
Local authorities have advised residents on how to respond in the event of an encounter with aggressive crows.
Immediate wound care is crucial should an attack occur; this includes thoroughly washing and disinfecting any injuries, especially if they are deep.
Furthermore, if the injured party has not received a tetanus
vaccine in the last five years, they should seek medical assistance.
Experts recommend that individuals do not attempt to scare off the birds when approached, as this may exacerbate the situation.
Instead, they should lower their heads and leave the vicinity quickly to reduce the likelihood of further aggression.