Aggressive owl attacks, injures runner on Whistler trail

A runner on a Whistler, B.C., trail suffered minor injuries after reportedlybeing attacked by an aggressive barred owl.

The B.C. Conservation Officer Servicesays it was alerted to the attack Monday on the Don't Look Back biking trail near Function Junction, south of Whistler Village.

In a wildlife alert, the municipality of Whistler asked the public to avoid the Don't Look Back trail over the next weekand urged caution to anyone using the nearby trails.

Owls have been known to attack humans and pets, although experts say it's an uncommonoccurrence.

Best known as the hoot owl for its distinctive call,the barred owlis among the largest and most vocal owls in North America, according the the Audubon Society.

An adult owl can have awingspanup to 111 centimetres, andcan weigh up to 800 grams.