Bald Eagle Tries to Snatch Girl in Iran — Rescued by Bystander
A man in Iran heroically rescued a young girl after a bald eagle suddenly attacked her, attempting to carry her off in front of horrified onlookers.
The rare and terrifying incident took place in the Khorasan province, where a bald eagle — a bird of prey with a wingspan of up to two meters — swooped down toward the child who was near her parents in an open area. Footage from the scene shows the eagle diving directly toward the girl.
The timely intervention of a man standing nearby prevented disaster. He grabbed the child just seconds before the eagle’s talons could latch onto her clothes. Witnesses say the eagle attempted a second dive but flew off after being startled by the presence of people. The girl was unharmed but visibly traumatized.
The bald eagle, a symbol of the United States and one of North America's largest raptors, is extremely rare in Iran but may appear during migratory routes in search of food. While majestic, these predators are capable of lifting prey weighing up to 5 kilograms. Attacks on humans, however, are extremely rare.
Local authorities and ornithologists have launched an investigation. Preliminary findings suggest the eagle may have been weakened or disoriented. Experts believe it could have escaped from a private enclosure, as bald eagles are not native to Iran. Another theory is that the bird may have been injured or unable to hunt, prompting unusual behavior.
Iran’s Ministry of Environment issued a statement urging caution in open areas. Officials are working to determine the bird’s exact origin. Ornithologists are calling on residents to report sightings of aggressive birds of prey.
The incident sparked widespread reaction on social media, with users praising the man for his quick action. Many are now calling for stricter controls on the captivity of wild birds. While authorities have yet to confirm whether this eagle escaped from captivity, the search continues.
The editorial board is not responsible for the content and accuracy of material taken, sent or obtained from other sources. The publication of such materials is for informational purposes only and does not imply automatic endorsement or approval of their content.