KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A pair of hawks nesting near an East Tennessee apartment building aren't taking chances when it comes to protecting their nest.

The red-shouldered hawks have been known to swoop down at nearby pedestrians.

The birds took up residence near the Sequoyah Village Apartments in Knoxville about three weeks ago and made their presence known. The Knoxville News Sentinel reports several residents have been dive-bombed -- some hard enough to leave bruises or scratches. One passer-by was attacked from behind and went to the emergency room with minor puncture wounds.

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency program manager Pete Wyatt told the newspaper that photographs of the birds suggest they are young and possibly lack experience with nesting.

The birds are known to defend their territory aggressively during nesting season.