The AFL has officially warned Australians to remain on high alert, with magpie season now in full swing.
Magpies traditionally become "highly aggressive" during finals season, from late August to late September.
The AFL has suggested putting zip ties on bike helmets to prevent attacks. "It should be enough to deter them... unless you're wearing a carlton scarf."
The public is urged not to approach or spook supporters.
Here are some other tactics to avoid being swooped:
- Avoid making eye contact, especially in Centrelink or at the Calder Outbound Maccas after a game.
- Do not act aggressively. If you wave your arms about or shout obscenities, the magpies will see you as a threat.
- Do not automatically assume everyone's mother or grandmother is a magpie.
- Do not remind them of previous Grand Final losses, especially not the 1960, '64, '66, '70, '77, '79, '80, '81, '90, 2002, '03, '11, or 2018 Grand Finals.
The AFL confirmed magpie season should ease by October, unless magpies make the Grand Final, in which case authorities warn of “a Category 5 swooping event” that could last all summer.
