By BRIDGET SCOTT
NOT all fury animals are our friends, and City of Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon discovered this the hard way last week.
The mayor was victim to a vicious attack on Brentwood Drive in Cranbourne North and as a result, has asked for a report on what measures can be taken to protect walkers along this drive.
The season for magpies has arrived, and walkers have been warned to be wary.
Cr Stapledon was chased by a magpie for 400 metres down the road, during which it drew blood from the mayor.
However, Cr Stapledon doesn’t want these swooping weapons to deter families from walking to school during spring.
“I don’t want to discourage children and families from walking to school,” she said.
Councillor Stapledon has asked that the council agree to issue an urgent media release about the problem birds covering strategies residents can take to avoid attacks, and a means to report attacks.
Wildlife Victoria has said it has already received a number of calls about swooping attacks but they would only last for a short time.
“It’s improtant to remember that swooping will only last a few weeks while our native birds protect their young,” a Wildlife Victoria member said.
It warns that most birds will swoop within about 30-50 metres of their nest, which may include bike paths, roads, school yards, parks or community gardens.
Some tips to avoid the swoop issues from the organisation include avoiding the area, be confident and face the swooping bird, try to travel in a group or wear a wide brimmed hat or helmet to help deter swooping.
