Community safety concerns are growing after a marked increased number of magpie attacks in the region.
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Both police officials and council representatives have received numerous complaints about a ‘particularly vicious’ birds conducting swooping raids along Bourke Street near Fisher Park.
“The CGRC advised they had three reports of magpies swooping and striking residents near Fisher Park while we’ve received word from the Coota Cycling Club about a swooping incident,” said Cootamundra LAC Inspector Frank Brown.
“We believe it may be the same magpie responsible for numerous incidents last year … and there are concerns the bird is producing offspring and teaching his trade.”
Coota Cycle Club president Alan Moston knows all too well the risk of dealing with these dive-bombing dynamos.
Mr Moston lost a chunk of his ear to the same bird last year and has already seen his nemesis in action this month.
“Being swooped is traumatising, especially for kids,” Mr Moston said.
“We train a bunch on Tuesday afternoon near Fisher Park and they’re all terrified of the birds.
“We think they’ve taught their offspring to swoop as well, so now there’s two of them attacking us.”
Inspector Brown indicated that further inquiries are to be made with National Parks however their authority to personally remove the magpie(s) was limited.
“We do have authority to shoot the birds,” he said.
“But within our procedures, we have to shoot the bird with a shotgun.
“We cannot shoot it with our sidearms.
Inspector Brown said police could authorise a professional shooter to execute the bird but noted alternate measures would always be considered.
“Council and National Parks are also able to relocate or dispose of the bird,” he said
“We’ve probably got to send a dummy down to identify the offending magpie before we do anything.
“As per National Park’s advice, our advice would be to steer clear of the area unless in a car and take alternate routes until the season ends.”
If attacks persist or you wish to share your story, use MAGPIE ALERT! to register the time and whereabouts of your incident.
