CROWS ATTACK HUNTER, PECK CLOTHES TO PIECES
Paul Niles, Illinois Central Fireman, Driven to Cover by Swarms of Ravens After His Face is Lacerated, Garments Reduced to shreds and Rubber Boots Cut Into Fragments
KEPT HIM PRISONER TILL DARKNESS CAME
Paul Niles of this city, had a narrow escape from a strange and horrible death on last Saturday afternoon while out hunting near Dakota, Ill. Niles was attacked by hundreds of crows and before he could get to a place of safety the ravens had pecked him about the face, destroying his clothing and given him the fright of his life.
Niles is a fireman on the Illinois Central road, and his favorite diversion is to go hunting. Last Saturday he left this city, walking along the St. Paul tracks. While walking through the fields he noticed a flock of crows in a tree but out of gunshot range. Niles had a device known as a crow call which he used with better results than he contemplated.
The place proved to be a crows roost and the minute the call was given the crows, as if by signal, were up from everywhere and with out-stretched wings and necks, descended upon their unsuspecting victim. Niles shot at the crows several times and dropped many of them, but this did not stay their attack, for on they came, and Niles started for cover. Mr. Niles was afraid that his eyes might be pecked so he covered his face.
In desperation Niles ran to a tree where he thought that he might fight the birds off, but to no effect. The crows kept up a dreadful noise all the while they were attacking their prey. A short distance away Mr. Niles saw a tree with grape vines clinging to it. He made for it under this he lay for some time. Niles was wearing a pair of rubber boots which extended from beneath his place of hiding. The crows pecked the boots to pieces. Large holes were rent in the clothing of Niles and his hat was completely destroyed. Niles, after lying still for some time thought it would be safe for him to start, but the minute he again made his appearance crows by the thousands once more dropped to the ground and made a second attempt upon his life.
At this juncture Niles again took to his place of retreat, remaining there until darkness came and he could move out with safety. In explaining the remarkable affair Mr. Niles stated that it was one of the most peculiar things which could happen to a person and that crows were angered could make anyone take to the woods.
