‘Weird’-acting crows accused of ‘attempted murder’ in Vermont. The victim was an owl

A Vermont state trooper thwarted a “murder” Wednesday on Interstate 91 near Newbury, when he spotted a group of crows viciously attacking an owl, according to an odd and widely shared Facebook post by the Vermont State Police.

Investigators say a St. Johnsbury trooper was on patrol in Orange County “when he witnessed a vicious assault - crows attacking a barred owl,” the post said.

“With an injured wing, the owl fell from a tree, and Trooper Weikel was able to get a hold of him and secured him in his cruiser,” police wrote.

“With the help of Vermont Fish & Wildlife Warden Jackman, the ‘attempted murder’ victim was safely transported to a rehabilitation facility.”

The Feb. 5 post, which included a photo of the wide-eyed victim, has generated more than 600 comments and 1,400 shares in 16 hours. Among the commenters were people who called the trooper a hero and some who said they, too, saw “crows doing some weird stuff” on the interstate.

Many picked up on the pun that a group of crows is commonly called a murder, a term frowned upon by the Audubon Society.

However, some took the matter seriously and began defending the gang of crows.

“Crows attack when threatened or one of their own have been harmed or killed,” wrote Layla Snow. “They remember faces and individuals. Perhaps this was a case of self defense? A crime of passion? Revenge perhaps? Don’t knock the crows, they are amazing birds!”

“This is the language that vilifies certain animals. Does the owl ‘murder the animals it chases?” Beth Demers asked.

“Come on, at the very most you have aggravated assault,” Matthew Peirce argued.

This story was originally published February 6, 2020 at 7:08 AM with the headline "‘Weird’-acting crows accused of ‘attempted murder’ in Vermont. The victim was an owl."