Alaska is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the entire country.
But living in The Last Frontier comes with its own set of unique challenges.
And Alaska residents are scared as hell over attacks from one symbol of American freedom.
Bald eagles attacking residents of Alaska town
The bald eagle is the national symbol of the United States and the national bird.
But these majestic birds are wreaking havoc on the population of one small Alaskan town.
Eagles have attacked at least three residents of Kodiak, Alaska at the St. Herman’s Boat Harbor.
Injured residents had to get stitches after they were struck by these feathered dive bombers.
Bald eagles have a wing span between five and seven feet with sharp talons.
Harbormaster David Johnson told Fox News Digital that no one is sure why the attacks are happening, but there is a nest in the area.
“We are advising harbor users in the area to exercise caution, and avoid the area if possible,” Johnson explained. “Our harbor staff have taken to holding something above their heads when they’re near the nest.”
“The eagles are still behaving aggressively, but with the increased awareness, it seems the number of successful attacks has decreased from last week,” Johnson continued. “I don’t know what has these particular freedom chickens so upset, but hopefully they get over it soon.”
Terror rains down from the Alaskan sky
Kodiak resident Bill Prout – the captain of a crab fishing ship – was the victim of an eagle attack in 2022 at the docks.
“I’ve walked these docks for over 40 years and never expected to be attacked by a Bald Eagle – a majestic symbol of our freedom,” Prout told Fox News Digital. “It felt like someone took a 2×4 to the back of my neck.”
The veteran sea captain contemplated seeking medical attention for his eagle wound, but his wife wiped it down with an antiseptic.
“The eagle population has increased while their food source has decreased, which could lead to us seeing more attacks,” Prout stated.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biologist Steve Lewis told Alaska radio station KMXT that eagle attacks on humans are bizarre on Kodiak Island.
“Lewis recommends anyone walking in the area of St. Herman Harbor should hold something above their heads to protect themselves, or continue to watch the birds so that they won’t swoop down and attack other people,” KMXT reported.
Eagles often attack “the highest point of a person that is visible to them,” so Lewis recommended using an umbrella or wearing a hat as protection against them.
“I’ve dealt with eagles in lots of places and normally they just aren’t that defensive,” Lewis said. “Like I’ve done things, like I’ve climbed nest trees. And most of the nest trees, in fact all of them, the (eagles) don’t dive-bomb you as you’re climbing, like when you get to the nest. They are definitely aggravated. You can see them flying around and they are calling, but they aren’t diving at you or anything aggressive.”
Lewis thought that fish scraps and the fresh catch from fishermen at the docks could be the more likely explanation than protecting the nest.
“I think they are probably getting fed by people around the harbor,” Lewis explained. “And I think that in a similar way that it kind of changes how bears are, if they start getting food from people, they become more aggressive towards people. I think that might be similar to what’s going on with these birds.”
Kodiak residents will have to keep a watchful eye out to avoid these feathered terrors.
