A man in New South Wales has died after attempting to dodge an attack from a magpie, marking an especially tragic start to Australia’s annual “swooping season.”
The 76 year old man was riding his bike in Nicholson Park in Wollongong, September 15th. According to a statement from New South Wales authorities, “witnesses saw the man ride off the park’s path after a magpie swooped down in front of him, causing him to collide with a fence post and fall to the ground.”
He was airlifted to St George Hospital in a critical condition where he received medical attention but passed away later that evening as a result of serious head injuries.
Australia is no stranger to the trouble caused by aggressive magpies.
Officials and experts suggest you change your biking or walking route if you regularly travel in areas where attacks are common.
“Magpies seem to have very good memories and have attacked the same people over subsequent seasons and others they just leave alone,” Magpie Alert write on their website. “If it’s attacked you before, probably a good idea to use an alternative route next season!”
