A D.C. resident was out for her evening walk when an owl attacked her head not once, but three times during a recent stroll. 

D.C. resident Anna Scrimenti suffered minor injuries to her head and neck when an owl attacked her and scratched her with its talons. The incident occurred in the Woodley Park neighborhood of Northwest, and it was quickly reported on by the Washington Post:

It seems that this sort of behavior isn't all that unusual at this time of year. With the impending cold of winter, owls become a bit more bold, often swooping down on prey like small animals and other birds. Days are getting shorter, so those out and about in the dark run the risk of catching an owl's eye. Fluffy pompoms and ponytails are especially intriguing to them, as you can well imagine.

runner, jogger, woman

Courtesy of Unsplash, photo by Emma Simpson

Check out this USA Today video from 2015, where a Seattle park ranger explains that owls are also very territorial at various times of year:

According to the Audubon Society, the owls aren't trying to hurt you, necessarily. They become more aggressive about defending their territories during mating season, in addition to their increased hunting activities at night.

The best defense seems to be a good offense. Shout, wave something around to try to keep the owl away from making contact, and RUN. Before you set out, try to imagine the view you present from overhead. Could your ponytail be confused for a small animal? Is your fuzzy hat reminiscent of a chubby raccoon? Think ahead and watch out for dive-bombing owls; it's a jungle out there!

Have you seen owls in your neighborhood? Where, and how were they acting? Let us know in the comments!