Owl attacks in parks may occur during mating and nesting season. The Barred Owl can be very aggressive, and there were three early morning attacks in Bush Park in late winter of 2015.
Another attack was reported in 2023.
The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC designed signs for Salem, as a joke, and the City asked permission to use them. Signs were posted in Bush Park as warnings to park users. Attack Owl signs went viral and have been purchased worldwide.
Salem Parks Foundation still offers replicas of the
signs for sale including one autographed by the graphic
artist Allegra Flores, from The Rachel Maddow Show.
Allegra came to Salem in September 2015 to receive an "At
Your Service" award on behalf of The Rachel Maddow Show at
the City's Volunteer Recognition Ceremony.
Purchase Options:
12x12 inch Plastic
Owl Attack Sign ... $50
12x12 inch Metal Owl Attack Sign ... $75
18x18 inch Metal
Owl Attack Sign ... $200
The Owl Sign Sales Have Helped Salem Parks!
The photo below shows the swing set at Lower Feffelle Playground in Bush Park, purchased with some of the money raised by selling the signs.
The YouTube video below was produced by a sign owner in
Florida!
