CALGARY - Hawks mercilessly strafing posties have halted mail delivery to a southwest neighbourhood.

Adult hawks apparently protective of their offspring have made life intolerable for mail-carriers serving homes around Bay View Dr. S.W., said Canada Post spokeswoman Teresa Williams.

"The hawks had been attacking carriers since June," said Williams.

One postie defiantly persisted on her route, even donning a bicycle helmet until matters escalated, she said.

"She was patient and persevered, but the hawk attacked her one day and broke her helmet," said Williams. "A bicycle helmet is designed to take quite a bit of impact."

Reinforcements in the form of temporary carriers were pressed into service, only to be harried by the hawks until Canada Post pulled the plug Aug. 21, said Williams.

Service for 150 homes in the area has been suspended, with residents picking up their mail at a Canada Post depot.

Neighbours say they're only aware of the hawks -- quartered in a large evergreen tree -- targeting letter carriers.

Resident Tracey Vasey said she's been too busy to go to the depot to pick up her mail.

"I think it's an inconvenience," said Vasey, 47, adding there is a silver lining. "It's sort of nice not to have a bill come to your door, but they eventually have to be paid."

Vasey said she's heard wildlife officials were set to take action against the raptors but Williams said it's not so. "The hawk is a protected species, so we have to let nature take its course," she said.

It's assumed the birds will fly south as cold weather approaches.

Mail delivery resumes Tuesday, said Williams, with hopes better than a wing and prayer carriers will be left in peace.

bill.kaufmann@sunmedia.ca