Principal warns families after student attacked by hawk - Winnipeg Free Press

A student was attacked by a hawk while walking in Winnipeg’s Radisson area, Transcona Collegiate’s principal said in a letter to parents last week.

The note said a hawk is nesting in the area of McMeans Avenue West and Hoka Street and struck a student in the head Thursday afternoon.

“We wanted to make you and our students aware as a precaution only … this is not a common occurrence, and there is no need to fear birds/hawks,” the letter, dated May 23, said.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS

A nest that doesn‘t seem to have any activity is located close to the area where a Transcona Collegiate student was walking and struck in the head by a hawk.

“Some hawk species can be more aggressive than others during the nesting period and may swoop down at perceived threats to protect their nests. This aggressive behaviour should be limited to the period when young are in the nest.”

A River East Transcona School Division spokesperson had no further information on the incident Monday afternoon.

Since January, Manitoba Conservation has received five reports of incidents involving hawks in Winnipeg, with four being the site of Thursday’s attack, a provincial spokesperson said in an email. In 2023, 10 incidents involving hawks in Winnipeg were reported.

The spokesperson said Manitoba Conservation is in the process of installing signage to caution residents in the area, as legislation prevents removal of hawks, their nestlings and nests.

The spokesperson and letter to parents recommended residents give the birds space, try to avoid running or biking in the area, and travel in a group. The school recommended an umbrella for additional safety.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS

People bike and walk along the Transcona Trail. Since January, Manitoba Conservation has received five reports of incidents involving hawks in Winnipeg, with four being the site of Thursday’s attack, a provincial spokesperson said in an email.

In 2019, a nesting hawk attacked people walking in the area of the 500 block of Ravelston Avenue East in Transcona. A nine-year-old girl walking to Wayoata Elementary School was injured that June. The school sent emails warning families.

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Principal warns families after student attacked by hawk - Winnipeg Free Press
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