Beijing, Sep 23: A golden eagle in China has attacked two villagers several times in the past two years after they stole a chick from her nest and ate it.
The victims, Yang and Wu, live in Muling county of Heilongjiang province. Both were attacked several times in the recent past, China Daily reported.
But Yang was attacked again last month when he was harvesting wheat. Its sharp beak pierced through his face, neck and arms during his 20-minute ordeal, injuring him severely.
After he was helped into a police car, the bird continued the chase, diving at the windshield and chasing the car.
However, this was not the first time it attacked Yang.
In April 2011, it swooped down on him when he was planting in the mountain, leaving a massive cut on his head. He received 21 stitches.
Fellow villager Wu has also been attacked several times since August 2010.
In April 2011, he received gashes in his head and hands in an attack and piece of flesh was ripped off from his forehead. He has since fled from his village.
Yang said they had stolen a chick from her nest and ate it in August 2010.
Villagers say the bird is seeking revenge.
Golden eagles are known for their ferocity and strength. In Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Mongolian hunters used to train them to hunt wolves.
