THE dreaded magpie season has returned with cyclists and pedestrians alike being warned to brace for an onslaught from above.
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For the next six to eight weeks, people are advised to be on high alert with the swooping magpies to be at their most vicious.
Dubbo City Council manager landcare services Lynton Auld urged people to keep to themselves, especially if they are in an area they know magpies are particularly aggressive.
"You shouldn't antagonise magpies, and it doesn't take them long to get suspicious of people," he said.
"It's best to avoid an area all together if possible, but that can be difficult if you work or live where some magpies are.
"If you do have to walk or ride in those areas, its best you wear a broad brimmed hat or a helmet with zip ties on it."
As the magpie is a protected native animal, the council or anybody is prevented by law to do anything to the birds.
Dubbo Bike Users Group (BUG) secretary Kathy Furney gave similar advice to that of the council.
"There isn't a great deal you can do other than being aware of where they are so you can be careful in those areas," she said.
"People usually get to know the areas magpies are in, and I know some people just don't ride in them or at all.
"Car drivers need to be aware in those areas as well as a rider who is being swooped may lose control for a brief moment or have to swerve.
"It's important bike riders and car drivers are all courteous to each other."