A New Orleans neighborhood is experiencing a series of aggressive encounters with a crow, which locals have nicknamed 'single mother.' The bird has been observed pecking at individuals who enter its perceived territory in the Uptown area.
An incident that gained viral attention earlier this year involved Nola News video producer Hannah Levitan, who filmed herself walking down a street in the Uptown neighborhood as a crow swooped down and pecked at her. Levitan’s video captured the moment the bird ambushed her from behind, prompting her to flee to her car.
Following Levitan's experience, she and her colleagues began investigating the crow's behavior. Resident Stacey Barbe stated that she is aware of at least 10 other individuals who have been attacked by the bird. Barbe shared local speculation about the crow's motives, suggesting it is protecting its young and has been personified by the neighborhood as a "single momma."
Online forums, including Reddit, have also seen reports from individuals experiencing similar attacks in the same vicinity. One user described being attacked on Audubon Boulevard and witnessing the crow target other passersby, questioning if it was defending a nest or acting out of malice. Another commenter recounted being pursued by the bird multiple times.
Wildlife experts suggest that the behavior may be an example of 'scolding,' a defensive tactic where crows attack perceived threats. Nick Mason, an assistant professor in LSU’s Department of Biological Sciences and curator of birds at the Museum of Natural Science, explained that crows can recognize individuals and may target those they deem unwelcome. He added that such aggression is often linked to the presence of a nest nearby and a feeling of encroachment on their territory.
It remains unclear whether a single bird is responsible for all the reported attacks or if multiple crows are involved. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries was contacted for comment.