Wauwatosa workers warned after possible return of dive-bombing hawks

 

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- There's concern in Wauwatosa, that a pair of dive-bombing hawks that reportedly injured people at Research Park last year are back. 

A corporate email told workers at an insurance company to watch out for the pair of potentially aggressive hawks. 

Tuesday night, we tracked one of them and watched it soar from one tree to the next off Mayfair Road.

High on top of the conifers in the middle of a very busy commercial district, we spotted one of Tosa's newest "most wanteds" that has created quite a stir.

"When I pulled into the office this morning, there was -- on the perch -- this massive bird that almost looked like a bald eagle, and I was like, 'what is that?!' said Dan Kwiecinski.

Red tailed hawks are common throughout North America and they're not typically aggressive toward humans unless they're protecting their young. 

"Like small songbirds, robins, right, that nest on people's porches, you know, will dive-bomb the humans when they're leaving their front door. It's essentially kind of the same behavior," said Lindsay Obermeier, raptor program director at Schlitz Audubon.

USDA Wildlife Services got involved after the bird reportedly dive-bombed people at Research Park, landing on them and pecking them, leaving considerable injuries. That same bird is possibly now trying to move in right across the street. 

"Just be very cognizant of where she is, because the reality of this is she is actually just doing what she knows to do. She is a wild bird, she is trying to establish a territory and build a nest," said Obermeier.

For now, the hawks have been staying high above ground in this busy area, giving workers below a sense of calm. 

"I think right now, everyone is feeling a little humorous about it, and hopefully no one actually gets injured and it can just be a funny joke for us," said Christine Webb.

While the hawk we saw Tuesday didn't bother us, or anyone else in the parking lot, aviary experts say if a nest is established, she could become protective and aggressive, so wearing a helmet, a box, a hat, or even an umbrella could help.