Swooping season is back, so as you’re walking, riding or running around Shepparton don’t forget to keep an eye out for magpies.
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Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning is reminding residents that all Victorian native wildlife is protected by law.
“It is illegal to harm native birds and offences can result in fines or imprisonment. It is up to us to co-exist peacefully with wildlife and respect it,” DELWP acting program manager environmental compliance Andrew Dean said.
“If you do end up in an area where there is a swooping bird, try to protect your head and eyes and move quickly through the area.”
Mr Dean said bird swooping was a part of everyday Australian life.
"Swooping occurs every year during breeding season and is largely a defensive manoeuvre carried out by some male birds when we come within close range of eggs or fledgling birds,” he said.
A Greater Shepparton City Council statement advised residents to travel in a group, notify others and, above all, not to feed swooping birds.
Other tips include knowing local swooping hotspots, avoiding the area, moving quickly and to “place fake eyes at the back of your head”.
Council said swooping could happen year-round, but it increased during breeding season.
Mr Dean said some of the places where people are most likely to be swooped are public spaces such as parks.
“We encourage people to share information about swooping birds by logging their encounter on our swoop map," he said.
To view the map or to report a swooping incident go to the DELWP website.