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‘Aggressive’ owl reportedly attacks runner on Whistler trail

COS says runner suffered minor injuries on Don’t Look Back trail
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A barred owl reportedly attacked a trail runner in Whistler on Monday, Oct. 7. www.shutterstock.com

A local runner may have taken the advice of the “Don’t Look Back” trail near Function Junction a little too literally on Monday, Oct. 7, when they were reportedly attacked by an owl.

The Conservation Officer Service (COS) received a report of an aggressive barred owl along the mountain biking trail on the west side of Sproatt Mountain. The Crown agency said the trail runner suffered minor injuries in the attack.

In a wildlife alert issued Monday afternoon, the Resort Municipality of Whistler asked the public to “avoid the ‘Don’t Look Back’ trail over the next week” and to use caution when accessing nearby trails in the area.

As always, reports of aggressive wildlife can be made to the COS’ RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.