Owl Attacks 30-Pound Dog During Morning Bathroom Break in Banff

An owl attacked a 30-pound dog during a quick morning bathroom break in Banff, leaving the dog with a small puncture wound on the back of its neck.

Michael Joseph Geisler said the attack happened at about 7:15 a.m. on Jan. 25 in the 400 block of Muskrat Street. He said he let his Brittany Spaniel, Wilson, out into a fenced yard alone. 

Geisler said he heard “a horrible yelp,” and Wilson ran back into the house shaking. He later checked his home security camera and saw the owl attack.

Geisler said Wilson had a small puncture wound on the back of his neck and he did not take Wilson to the vet. 

Geisler said he shared the video in the Alberta Birds Facebook group, and people in the group told him the behaviour looked like a great horned owl attack.

He said Wilson's injury was small, but the moment was scary. He said the owl let go and flew off when it realized Wilson was too big to carry. 

Geisler also said there was fresh snow that morning and he saw fresh house-cat tracks just outside his fence. He said it is possible the owl was stalking the cat and mistook Wilson for smaller prey.

Geisler said owl attacks on pets are rare, but he believes they have happened before in Alberta. He said he recommends people do not leave smaller pets outside unattended for too long.

What neighbours can take from this

Alberta’s government says some birds may swoop at people or pets if they feel something is too close to a nest. It also says attacks on very small dogs or cats can happen, but it is rare.

In Banff National Park, Parks Canada advises people to keep dogs on a leash at all times, except in the Banff off-leash dog park or on fenced private property.