TAIPEI (Taiwan News) —  A medium-sized raptor attacked and injured hikers while flying in the mountains near Taichung’s Tanzi District Xintian Hiking Trail.

People reported having their hands scratched by the raptor, and some reported losing their hats. Taichung City Agriculture Bureau Forestry and Nature Conservation Division said they would send personnel to investigate on Monday (May 20), per CNA.

One witness said the raptor suddenly swooped down and scratched her hand while she was arranging flowers at her home. She learned that other residents had also been attacked.

A few days prior, when her son took photos of the raptor for identification, he was attacked twice but emerged uninjured. Residents sent pictures to the Raptor Research Group of Taiwan, which identified the bird as a black kite, a medium-sized bird of prey and a category 2 rare and valuable species. 

Black kites typically do not attack people unless they have been kept in captivity. Residents believe someone in the community raised black kite chicks and released them a few days ago. 

After the black kites flew away, they would return to beg for food. This is one explanation for their bold attacks on humans and lack of fear of urban areas.