By Alisa Howlett/B次元官网网址 staff
A story about two eagles consecutively snatching up two Pomeranians in Central SaanichB次元官网网址檚 Centennial Park has been circulating via social media.
First posted to the Facebook group Victoria Dog Owners, the story goes like this: B次元官网网址渙ne eagle swooped in and took the first dog and as the lady was trying to get to it a second eagle swooped in and got her other dog,B次元官网网址� Kim Ingram, a member of the group, wrote on Wednesday, June 14, trying to warn others about what sheB次元官网网址檇 heard.
So far, a story is all it is. The PNR has not been able to connect with the alleged dog owner to verify the information, but Ingram says her step mother is the one who first mentioned it to her and her mom is tight with the dog walking community and knows all the park gossip.
Another post to the group, dating back to May 28, says an eagle took a small Chihuahua at Island View Beach in Central Saanich about two weeks prior to the date.
Rumours or not, a British Columbia-based wildlife biologist with a background in ornithology says he wouldnB次元官网网址檛 rule out the likeliness of the situation.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 been known to happen. ThereB次元官网网址檚 been a few nests in the area with remnants of cat collars and cat fur,B次元官网网址� says Myles Lamont, whoB次元官网网址檚 also a member of the Hancock Wildlife Foundation that operates live-streaming Eagle Cams in some 400 locations. B次元官网网址淎 big female is certainly capable of that.B次元官网网址�
Myles says whatB次元官网网址檚 in question is if the birds are intentionally preying on the small, furry animals. He adds that bald eagles are much more scavengers than hunters of live animals, except for maybe fish.
Vancouver Island is considered a part of one of the most important paths of migratory birds, bald eagles included. The south coast of the province sees a higher density of bald eagles with approximately 30,000 birds passing through every year, twice a year, says Myles, no where else in the world experiences those densities.
Another contributing factor might be the loss of nesting areas. The eagles are forced to go elsewhere and potentially prey on things otherwise not typical for them, Myles says.
B次元官网网址淭hese sorts of things can definitely happen,B次元官网网址� says Myles. B次元官网网址淚 recommend people keeping their dogs on short leashes, keeping them close.B次元官网网址�
Myles did say, however, that it does seem a bit unusual that this so-called incident wasnB次元官网网址檛 captured on video, given peopleB次元官网网址檚 attachment to smartphones and penchant for buzz-worthy happenings.
If you are the owner of the two Pomeranians, the PNR still wants to chat.
