Wildlife experts are warning people in the Lower Mainland amid increased reports of crows attacking to protect their young.

Jackie McQuillan, programs director for the Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C., says the birds’ breeding season has begun, and residents have likely noted crows carrying branches to build nests.

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“In the next few weeks, we are going to see many, many young crows hatch and that means that as they grow up, they will also then come down to the ground as they develop,” said McQuillan.

She says the ground is normally where the trouble begins. In their fledgling period, McQuillan explains, crows will flutter low, where humans may be walking by.

“And during that time, the parents are very actively protecting them. So we start to see this dive-bombing behaviour from the parents.”

The association says every May and June, its helpline “rings off the hook with reports of crow dive-bombings and young fledgling crows.”

Victims can report the attacks to the association. They’re also invited to share the location on an independent, live map of recent incidents, called CrowTrax.

On May 8, a CrowTrax user reported a Level-4 aggressiveness incident, saying the crow went “beak first” into their neck on West 7th Street in Vancouver.

Another said a crow on Nanaimo Street “hit so hard in the back of the head that it made me stumble forward,” on May 9.

Another said they “caused a scene” on May 22, when a crow attacked during a run near the Granville Bridge.

McQuillan recommends staying clear of crows on the ground and carrying an umbrella to ward off swooping birds.

For concerns related to fledglings, she says people should keep an eye out for birds that don’t look right.

“Maybe it’s a wing that’s drooping; if you see any blood, or something that’s asymmetrical about the bird. That would absolutely be a time to report them to our helpline,” said McQuillan.

“If people are unsure and they just need some more guidance, we’re happy to also take those inquiries.”

There are reportedly 13 injured or orphaned crows in the Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C.’s care.

McQuillan discourages feeding crows, which can spread disease, but says Lower Mainland residents can support crows by leaving out bird baths to beat the summer heat.