Owl attacks hawk at L.L. Bean store opening

BURLINGTON, Vt., Nov. 10 (UPI) -- An L.L. Bean grand opening in Vermont was interrupted when violence broke out between two birds of prey brought into the store for the event.

Lorrie Schumacher of Talons! A Bird of Prey Experience said the European eagle owl and Harris' hawk have appeared together at previous events without any trouble, but the owl attacked the hawk Friday at the grand-opening celebration for L.L. Bean at Burlington's Town Center mall.

"They've never, ever have gone after each other," Schumacher told the Burlington Free Press. "They're always in close proximity, we make sure their leashes are not too close, and this time it was a matter of inches. They're predators."

Witnesses said the owl had the hawk grasped in its claws for a few minutes before the birds were separated.

Schumacher said the owl and hawk have been working together for about six years. She said the hawk suffered multiple puncture wounds in the attack, but is expected to make a full recovery.