Crows and ravens can behave unpredictably around humans, especially when food or nests are involved. In a recent interview, Svetlana Mashkova, a candidate of medical sciences and medical director at INVITRO-YUG, explained the different ways these birds may interact with people and the possible health risks that can follow. The discussion focused on why crows commonly pose less risk when left alone, while ravens might act more aggressively in defense of their territory.
Generally, crows are not dangerous to people if there is no direct contact. Yet Mashkova noted that these highly intelligent birds can become aggressive when their nests, chicks, or eggs are threatened. This protective instinct can lead to pecking or swooping if a person inadvertently approaches a nesting site or disturbs a food source near a nest.
There are occasions when crows may target a person who resembles a potential threat to their young or territory. The doctor pointed out that ravens, in particular, can remember past encounters. If a raven associates a person with harm to its nest or food source, it may react similarly in future visits, sometimes with persistent behavior that seems almost calculated.
Beyond immediate harm, contact with crows carries infection risks, including the possibility of ornithosis, a disease that can be transmitted by birds that appear healthy as well as those that look unwell. The doctor emphasized that even birds that seem fine at first glance can carry the bacterium responsible for this illness.
Ornithosis is caused by Chlamydia psittaci. It can spread through droppings and feather dust that become airborne, particularly when birds congregate in tight spaces such as rooftops. The dust can travel on the breeze and be inhaled by people nearby, initiating infection even without direct contact with a bird. This underlines the importance of minimizing exposure to bird droppings and contaminated dust in areas where crows and ravens gather.
The clinical picture of ornithosis usually includes fever and respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath. In some cases the infection progresses to pneumonitis or pneumonia driven by the Chlamydia bacteria. The course of the illness can vary based on the person’s overall health and any coexisting conditions. Effective treatment requires medical evaluation and appropriate antibiotics prescribed by a clinician.
Mashkova added that crows act as scavengers, often coming into contact with animal cadavers or other birds. When a crow injures someone with its beak or claws, pathogens can enter through a wound and trigger inflammatory processes. In such cases, basic first aid is advised: wash the affected area with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic. If a wound is present, hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove larger particles, and seeking medical care is recommended for more serious injuries. If soil enters the wound, tetanus prevention should also be considered. In all instances, timely medical assessment helps determine the need for antibiotics or other treatments and ensures proper wound care and monitoring.
For readers seeking broader context, there have been previous discussions about infections linked to other animals, including squirrels, which illustrate how zoonotic diseases can spread through bites or contact with animal secretions. This underscores the importance of cautious behavior around wild birds and other wildlife and of consulting healthcare professionals if exposure occurs.