An owl that achieved notoriety last winter for attacking joggers in an Oregon park in Portland has returned and is now turning its talons on government workers, state officials said.

The barred owl has clawed at least three people outside the state Capitol in Salem in a series of attacks since late November, city parks department spokeswoman Tibby Larson said.

“It’s silent. You’re just walking along, minding your own business, and an owl comes silently at you from behind,” Larson said.

Although rare, owl attacks are not unheard of across the United States. Several attacks on joggers were reported in a Maryland park in October, and an owl attacked a Louisiana police officer on Christmas Eve, according to media reports.

The Oregon attacks are taking place near state government offices in Salem, but the owl is probably more interested in impressing potential mates than in making a political statement, Larson said, noting such attacks occur during courtship season.

“If you’re in that neighborhood, we’re advising you to wear a hat or carry an umbrella,” she added.