On the Skivsjön ski trail near Vindeln, a capercaillie bird has become rather assertive.
Ulf Persson encountered the territorial bird while skiing on Monday. As reported first by Västerbottens-Kuriren, the capercaillie wasn't budging from the trail.
– It's funny, he's back again, says Ulf.
– He was in the exact same spot last year.
This year, the capercaillie seems even more determined to guard its territory.
– Several skiers have come across him, Persson explained.
– He's become braver and more aggressive. He seems completely unafraid, probably driven by hormones.
Capercaillies see humans entering their territory as a threat, Persson added.
– My wife even pointed out that my black ski outfit might be making him more agitated.
Persson plans to take a different route in the future.
–I tried to pass by him, but he wouldn't let me. I'll just turn back and take another trail. It's a lighted trail, after all, and he's blocking it.
This encounter has given Persson even greater respect for these birds.
– I'm lucky I fell down, he said.
– That gave him the chance to come close and flap his wings. They have powerful beaks and claws. I got lucky this time, but someone could get hurt.
Persson mentioned that he has videos of previous encounters with capercaillies.
– We've definitely never seen one this aggressive before, he said.
– He's completely fearless. Luckily, I had my ski poles to keep him at bay; that was the only way to shoo him away.