08 May 2014

Keeping An Eye On The Sky

Every spring, Unalaska goes from fishing hub to war zone thanks to an unlikely enemy. Nesting eagles pose a danger in the community of roughly 4,000 people that's better known for the reality TV show "The Deadliest Catch."

The aggressive nesting behavior of the 600-plus eagles swooping, circling and screeching above the island causes locals to keep a watchful eye toward the heavens. Health officials said aggressive behavior is the cause of a "handful" of bloody casualties each season.

Iliuliuk Family and Health Services Executive Director Eileen Scott said most attack victims need about six stitches, usually to their heads.

And you thought Dutch Harbor would be boring during fishing season! Srsly, this is a major problem. When I spent two years on Adak Island in the Aleutians (Unalaska is part of that chain, but much much closer to the mainland), we had the largest single gathering of bald eagles in the State - and that's saying something. Thousands of baldies, just waiting for a piece of trash, a scrap of food, a salmon. or all of the above.

10 comments:

JMD said...

Wow, that would be seriously painful. Hardhats for everyone!

Rev. Paul said...

The worst part is, because they're a protected species, they have no fear of man whatsoever. Sometimes they'd stand in the road, and we'd have to get out & shoo them to the shoulders just to drive by.

PioneerPreppy said...

Bet it keeps the stray cat population down though.

Rev. Paul said...

What cats? :)

threecollie said...

Even bird watching is scary up there! Wow!

Rev. Paul said...

It can be, threecollie.

Old NFO said...

Yeah, fun approaches into Adak on occasion... Nothing like a MASS of eagles getting up on the approach end of the runway...

Rev. Paul said...

Gee, NFO, I'd never have thought you'd disrupt the birds' church services ... LOL.

Navy91 said...

Ah, yes, good old Adak! I have a love-hate relationship with it. I loved it as a kid when Dad was stationed there, hated it as an adult when I was deployed there. It wouldn't have been so bad when I was deployed there if it weren't always so gloomy. It also would have helped if we didn't work 12 on 12 off with NO days off for the entire 6 month deployment! Heh, some things you just never forget! :-)

Rev. Paul said...

Navy91: there didn't seem to be a middle ground where Adak is concerned. Folks either loved it or hated it the entire time. I thought it was a fantastic place, and kinda sorta hated to leave. But after two years, it was time to move on.