From Owl Rescue Centre
This sneaky little lady has been living inside a Shoprite store in Thokoza for the last few weeks. She was a difficult customer, had all her hiding spots well mapped out, just in case some owl rescuers came knocking. That’s Jacob in the photo, he’s their security gent who offered a great deal of help in rescuing her. We don’t often tag company rescues anymore, but we know Shoprite South Africa loves owls
Most animals will try to avoid fighting whenever possible. If they don’t feel in danger, they will click their beak or puff up like a cat, but fighting is generally a last resort, as if they are hurt, they won’t be able to hunt and won’t survive. The risk is generally too high, so getting away is a much better option whenever possible. Once this guy is grabbed and sees the man isn’t going to eat him, it’s still unhappy, but it’s not going to be as fearful.
I don’t have any actual stats on bite strength, but owls’ primary weapons are their feet. The feet are much more powerful and have those razor sharp talons. By securing the feet, he’s taking away the biggest immediate danger to himself. It also minimizes the movement the owl can do, keeping it from hurting itself.