A territorial barred owl has been identified as the “aggressive wildlife” responsible for the temporary closure of a section of Bluff Trail at the Lookout Mountain Battlefield.
Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park officials said Friday that the trail closure followed reports of encounters between visitors, park staff and the owl. At least one encounter reportedly resulted in an injury.
The affected section of Bluff Trail runs between the metal staircase below Point Park and the Cravens House Trail.
Park officials had expected to reopen the trail after monitoring the area, but have decided to keep the section closed while Resource Management staff gather additional information about the owl’s behavior and determine the safest next steps.
According to the park, the owl had not been observed during recent monitoring efforts and officials believed it may have moved away from the area. However, the bird reappeared Friday morning.
Park Resource Management staff will continue monitoring the area and working toward a solution that protects both visitors and wildlife.
Visitors are being asked to use alternate routes and stay out of the closed section of Bluff Trail. Officials said avoiding the area will also allow staff to monitor the owl with as little disturbance as possible.
While attacks involving barred owls are considered uncommon, park visitors are encouraged to remain alert while hiking and remember that territorial encounters with wildlife can occur.
The trail section will remain closed while park officials continue evaluating the situation.