Aggressive hawk blamed for five attacks

STONINGTON, Conn., March 4 (UPI) -- Police in a Connecticut town are warning residents to be wary of an aggressive red-tailed hawk blamed for at least five attacks on humans.

Stonington police Capt. Jerry Desmond said the attacks date back to the summer and the latest incident involved the bird of prey cutting the side of a woman's head with its talons, The Day, New London, Conn., reported Thursday.

"We're concerned because the bird seems to be becoming more and more territorial," Desmond said.

Kathy Baker, the woman attacked by the hawk Tuesday, said she was released from the hospital after the cut to the left side of her head was cleaned and she was given a tetanus shot.

"I know the people it's happened to so I thought it might happen to me sooner or later," Baker said. "I just hope they can do something to get rid of it."

Superintendent of Schools Leanne Masterjoseph said children will be kept inside during recess until the situation is resolved.

Animal Control Officer Rae-Jean Davis said officials have no plans to kill the bird, but they may move its nest to an area further away from humans.

"It's in a bad area," she said.