Residents of Flamstead, Hertfordshire, have found themselves at the mercy of a most unusual predator—a single Harris's hawk that's been terrorizing the village and making headlines across the country. Since the bird first exhibited aggressive behaviors, there have been reports of at least 25 attacks, primarily targeting tall men.
At the center of the chaos is 68-year-old Roy Lambden, who experienced the hawk’s wrath firsthand. Just last week, on approximately March 6, 2025, he was putting out his bins when the bird swooped down and struck him on the head, leaving him with scratches and bleeding. "I had no idea what had hit me. It was a total surprise," said Roy, adding, "I only realized what had happened when I looked up and saw the bird flying away." His experience was recorded on home security camera footage, and he is not alone—several residents, including five neighbors on his street, have reported similar incidents.
According to the local authorities, the hawk has garnered the nickname 'Flamstead Thug' due to its aggressive swooping behavior. Residents like Roy have communicated with others who have also suffered injuries, describing wounds ranging from minor scrapes to gashes. Lambden, who stands at six foot four, noted the unusual trend: the hawk appears to be primarily targeting taller men, perhaps due to its hunting instinct kicking in.
The situation prompted input from the Independent Bird Registry, which suggested the hawk might have been hand-reared and is currently exhibiting mating behavior. A spokesperson for the group explained, “It may be trying to find a mate, which might explain why it’s attacking men. We’ve concluded it’s not because she is hungry. I advise residents against feeding her, as this prevents her from seeking assistance from falconers.” This warning reflected broader attempts to manage the aggressive hawk's welfare—feeding her could prolong her presence and the associated dangers.
Flamstead Parish Council has also confirmed plans to address the issue proactively. "Experts are working to humanely catch the hawk to protect residents from injury," stated the council. The council emphasized the importance of not feeding the hawk, urging villagers to intervene politely with those attempting to feed the bird. Councillor Billy Pither indicated efforts were already underway to trap the hawk, but past attempts have been thwarted. Recently, as experts attempted to secure it, the arrival of press reporters startled the bird, causing it to fly off again.
Interestingly, another avian nemesis has emerged—Wayne Cockell reported being attacked by a red kite, which left him needing to visit the hospital for a tetanus jab after sustaining injuries earlier this month on March 6. Concerns over airborne threats have developed alongside fears of the hawk's aggressive approach.
The fact the hawk was not raised locally also raises concerns among residents and wildlife agencies alike. A representative from Whipsnade Zoo confirmed the bird has no affiliation with them, adding to the puzzles surrounding its origins. Although there are many Harris hawks kept privately across the UK, very few live freely, making this incident particularly troubling.
Many residents have adopted precautionary measures. For example, Paul Boys, aged 64, has taken to wearing hats out of fear of becoming the next target. "I wasn’t seriously injured but some have, with serious cuts," he recounted of his own encounter, when the hawk "struck up from behind and boofed me on the head" as he was gardening.
The police, who have been patrolling Flamstead, have also reported receiving numerous accounts of attacks targeted at tall men, particularly those aged between 40 and 60. The local authorities are collaborating with the British Bird Council and RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) to devise effective strategies for capturing the bird without harming it.
The intensity of the hawk’s behavior is unusual; normally, birds of prey are not inherently aggressive toward humans. Weather disturbances or stress could be influencing this hawk’s newfound hostility, according to local experts. Harris hawks are native to South America, originating chiefly from Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. Their intelligence is celebrated—trained specimens are often utilized to address pigeon populations at locations such as Trafalgar Square and tennis tournaments at Wimbledon. Yet this aggressive bird presents new challenges for the community.
With continued efforts to resolve the situation, the safety of Flamstead's residents hinges on the successful capture and relocation of the hawk. Experts remain poised to assist, but the cooperation of locals is integral to ensuring the hawk does not remain. Residents are advised to maintain vigilance, avoiding interactions with the hawk where possible, and to report any aggressive encounters.
For now, the village waits for news as efforts to humanely capture the rogue hawk progress, protecting the residents from what has turned out to be both a bizarre and alarming wildlife incident.