Large-Billed Crow Warning: Swooping Overheads, Sudden Attacks, and Their Ability to Remember Faces

Aggression Increases from May to July as Crows Protect Their Young

Government Advises: "Avoid Eye Contact and Protect Yourself with Umbrellas or Hats"

With frequent incidents of large-billed crows attacking pedestrians in urban areas during the summer, the government has issued guidelines on safety precautions for the public. Extra caution is needed during the period when chicks leave the nest and prepare for independence, as parent birds may perceive people as threats and display strong defensive behavior.

Actually, in May to June last year, videos of crows flying over pedestrians' heads and attacking them in urban residential areas or on the streets were repeatedly uploaded on social networking services (SNS). National Science Museum

On May 20, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment advised that when encountering large-billed crows at close range, people should protect their heads and necks with items such as umbrellas or hats, and avoid making direct eye contact with the birds whenever possible. This is because crows may interpret human gaze as a threatening action. Large-billed crows are birds characterized by their glossy black bodies and thick, large beaks. They typically measure about 50 to 60 cm in length and are relatively large among the crow species found in Korea. Recently, as urban green spaces and food sources have increased, these crows are frequently spotted around residential areas, parks, and schools.

In fact, in May and June of last year, videos of crows flying over pedestrians' heads and attacking them in urban residential areas or on the streets were repeatedly posted on social media platforms. These videos captured scenes where pedestrians, startled, covered their heads and tried to escape, only for the birds to swoop back and attack the nape of their necks from behind. Some victims described the experience as "feeling like being punched in the head."

The reason why large-billed crows become aggressive during this period is due to their instinct to protect their young. Around May each year is when the chicks leave the nest and prepare to become independent. The young chicks, still clumsy at flying, sometimes stay under trees or close to the ground where people may pass by. During this time, the parent birds perceive anyone approaching the nest or the chicks as a threat and defend by flying close over people's heads or approaching from behind.

The reason why large-billed crows become aggressive during this period is due to their instinct to protect their chicks. Around May each year is the time when the chicks leave the nest and prepare for independence. The chicks, still inexperienced in flying, sometimes stay near the ground below trees or close to where people pass by. MBC News

The government explained that when passing through high-risk areas, people should move quickly without hesitation, but also take care to avoid secondary accidents, such as falling or running onto the road while trying to evade a crow's attack. In addition, food that could attract crows should not be left exposed outdoors, and it is best to detour or pass quickly through areas with warning signs. Experts recommend avoiding retaliation, such as throwing objects or swinging sticks, even if crows act aggressively. Crows are known for their excellent ability to remember human faces, and research has shown that they can remember individuals who have threatened them for extended periods.

Experts advise that if you spot a large-billed crow, the safest response is to avoid approaching anything that looks like a chick or a nest, and to leave the area quietly if the bird repeatedly flies overhead. Particularly from May to July, as crows may display defensive behavior near parks, schools, apartment complexes, and roadside trees, it is advisable for children and the elderly to be accompanied by guardians. Choi Yuseong, a researcher at the National Institute of Biological Resources, stated, "Urban areas now have more green spaces and food sources suitable for crows," and added, "We are seeking scientific response measures, such as analyzing their behavior, to promote coexistence between humans and crows."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.