RSPCA calls for teens to stop terrorising magpies in new TikTok craze

Queensland teens have reportedly taken to filming themselves aggravating swooping magpies in a new TikTok trend. VIDEO

The RSPCA and bird lovers alike have called on a group of South East Queensland teenagers to stop terrorising swooping magpies so they can upload the chaos for TikTok videos in a recent craze sparked via the social media platform.

One Brisbane resident said over the past few weeks she had noticed youths in her neighbourhood take part in the “scary new trend’’.

“I have noticed a lot of teenagers riding their bikes and scooters under the trees where the magpies are swooping from,” she said.

“Mostly they are teenagers on their way to and from school and they are trying to film it for TikTok.

One Brisbane resident said over the past few weeks she had noticed youths in her neighbourhood take part in the “scary new trend’’. Picture - TikTok screenshot.

“I have now witnessed it driving home several times now.

“They get off their bikes, mostly boys, then they throw their bikes or scooters into the grass.

“And then they start throwing sticks and all sorts of things at the male magpies.”

The avid bird lover said she was deeply concerned by this trend.

“This is just going to make the male magpie swoop them more and make him more angry and aggressive,” she said.

“Obviously this is the magpies’ and all sorts of other birds’ nesting season, so we need to be aware of this.

“This is their territory at the moment and they only do this once a year.”

She hoped the teens would learn and leave the magpies — also known for their ability to cause serious injuries — alone this spring.

One Brisbane resident said over the past few weeks she had noticed youths in her neighbourhood take part in the “scary new trend’’. Picture - TikTok screenshot.

“Magpies are very smart and they remember you, for years and years,” she said.

“I have been feeding a magpie family now for the last five years and they bring their siblings every year to me.

“They are beautiful and amazing birds…so please I’m begging you please do not hurt them.”

An RSPCA spokeswoman said they discouraged such behaviour.

“Some birds will instinctively protect their territory, nest and young this time of year,’’ she said.

“Swooping is the most common way of scaring off intruders (humans or other animals) and this behaviour can last up to six weeks.

“Once the chicks have fledged, the problem will stop.

“While people may think it’s funny to film themselves annoying our wildlife, antagonising birds or any other animal will only make them more aggressive towards you and put yourself at more risk of harm.

“It’s best to just leave them alone. Deliberately harming wildlife is also illegal.”