[Pete Collins]

Hi Dave,

Thought you'd reply!

Yes, Sheep on certain fells certainly are well aware that hikers can mean an easy meal. As you mention, Helvelyn is one such mountain, Haystacks is another. I was eating some crisps on the top of Haystacks once (this must have been about 15 years ago) and a sheep came and put its front feet right between my legs (almost treading on my tenderest parts!) and stared me in the face in a most aggressive manner (well, as agressive as a sheep can). I was only saved from having to make the critical choice of sacrificing some of my Salt'n'Vinegar crisps or risk losing any chance of fatherhood in the future, when another walker nearby foolishly left his lunch to take a photograph. He was not best pleased when he came back to find the sheep had nicked his sarnies, but his partner thought it was hilarious!

So sheep have recognised walkers sitting down as a food opportunity for years. But I've never before seen Ravens do this, nor have I heard anyone else describe this behaviour. I mentioned on the original thread that Alpine Choughs (another member of the Crow family) certainly take food from humans in some parts of the Alps.

Anybody else got any thoughts?

Pete