Straight out of a Hitchcock scene: A woman was injured after a crow attack in Pasir Ris Street 12 in the evening.

The woman had to be sent to Changi General Hospital as the ominous-looking birds left lacerations on her head.

A few other people were also reportedly attacked within the vicinity.

However, it's not the first time crows has attacked people in Singapore. In 2015, they had swooped on unsuspecting Hougang residents.

While measures such as nest removal and culling are being taken against these pests, here is some basic knowledge from AVA's advisory about the house crow in the event they come for you too:

Why do they attack human beings?

Chances are, people may have done the following:

1) gotten too close to their young, especially fledging season around May - June

2) accidentally walked in on their territory - and nope, acting blur doesn't work. 

3) offended them by accident (yes, they get offended) 

If crows attack

Don't try to be a hero as crows never forget a face. Instead, duck and head for an alternative route immediately.

Avoid dense trees or greenery or you might be headed straight to their nesting areas.

After you've managed to get yourself to safety, contact AVA  at 1800-476-1600 or fill in the online feedback form,  so the authorities can take appropriate action.

On preventing crows from gathering

1) Keep your trash properly. 

Since they're smart, they can easily navigate through litter to find food. If your rubbish has food waste, tie them properly and dispose of them responsibly.

2) If you grow fruits outside of your home or in a community garden, harvest them ASAP or consider covering them up.

So they won't see your plants as a regular and stable food source. You may also want to consider hiding or removing water sources from the crows too.

3) Clean up after feeding your pet or community cats.

These birds can eat lots of things, and pet food is one of them.

On chasing them away

Play some crow distress calls, as crows will start to disperse upon hearing them,

This works best when done at different times of the day on consecutive days.

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You can also use fake birds or fragmented CD pieces that reflect sunlight, but it doesn't always work because they'll sooner or later see them as harmless decorations.

In any case, just keep your distance from these birds, before you scream bloody murder at them.

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