Video shows moment hawk attacks man
A video taken from a man's home security system showed the moment he was attacked by a swooping bird of prey believed to be a Harris's hawk.
People in the Hertfordshire village of Flamstead said the bird was prone to dive at "tall men", with "at least a dozen people" being targeted.
"It attacks from behind and you're surprised, you suddenly get a whack on the head – a number of people get their heads cut," local Roy Lambden told the BBC.
It was originally thought the hawk could have come from nearby Whipsnade Zoo, but a zoo spokesperson said it was not theirs. "We are aware of a Harris's hawk in Flamstead, but following inspection from our keepers, we can confirm the bird is not ours," they said.
The spokesperson said: "Birds of prey aren't actively hostile towards humans, but may attack if provoked or if they feel threatened if a person got too close.
"We do not recommend feeding birds of prey."
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