Top 10 Costa Rica

Biologists attacked in Costa Rica

Two ornithologists were attacked by a machete-wielding group while surveying birds in Costa Rica, reports National Geographic.

Dr. Cagan H. Sekercioglu and Dr. Jim Zook — both prominent bird experts — were apparently mistaken for thieves when looking for a Pacific Screech-owl in Liberia, Costa Rica.

Zook, who has lived in the Central American country for 30 years, suffered a cut hand from a machete and bruises after being pummeled by a mob of around ten people. Their car was heavily damaged by rocks and the windshield was shattered.

Costa Rican police eventually arrived to sort out the incident. Zook was taken to the hospital where he was treated and released.

Cagan H. Sekercioglu with the damaged car (left), Jim Zook was cut in the hand and bruised on his back (right). Photos courtesy Cagan Sekercioglu