Which of the following practices is considered dangerous when working with imprinted birds?

When dealing with imprinted birds, the potential for them to attack people unprovoked is a significant concern. Imprinted birds develop a strong attachment to humans, often perceiving them as members of their family or social group. This close bond can sometimes lead to aggressive behavior, especially if the bird feels threatened or is startled. The attachment can result in the bird exhibiting protective or territorial behavior, which may manifest as attacks on people who come too close or who the bird perceives as a threat.

While it is true that imprinted birds can escape easily, are typically easier to train than untrained wild birds, and may not refuse to fly altogether, those factors do not contribute to immediate dangerous interactions with people in the same way that aggression does. Understanding the behavior of imprinted birds and recognizing the potential for aggression is crucial for the safety of both the handler and the bird itself.