The Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action is reminding residents to take simple steps to stay safe around magpies and other swooping birds.
“Swooping is a natural and temporary behaviour that some native birds use to protect their eggs and chicks during the breeding season,” DEECA manager wildlife emergencies and welfare services Tony English said.
“Swooping is their way of telling you to keep your distance.”
While being swooped can feel unsettling, it is rare for birds to make contact, with incidents occurring in areas including parks, gardens, playgrounds, roadsides and shared walking and cycling paths.
Mr English said the behaviour was usually short-lived and ended once young birds had left the nest.
People can reduce the risk of being swooped by avoiding known hotspots, moving quickly and calmly without running, wearing protective head and eye coverings, and avoiding harassing birds, feeding wildlife, or disturbing nests.
Help others stay informed by reporting swooping incidents to Victoria’s interactive swooping bird map at tinyurl.com/4km253j9.
All native wildlife is protected under Victorian law. Harassing, harming or disturbing native birds and other wildlife is illegal and penalties apply.
Anyone who witnesses wildlife crime, including the harassment, harm or disturbance of native wildlife, can report it to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
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