A Virginia family had an unexpected holiday visitor down the chimney a week before Christmas.
A wild barred owl flew into a home through the chimney, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington said on social media. Once home, the owl landed on the family Christmas tree, dislodging the star that was already there.
In a video clip shared by the Animal Welfare League, the owl can be seen flying around the house, much to the delight of two young children who laugh at the bird. The owl explored the kitchen for a moment and then returned to the Christmas tree.
“And back into the tree,” says one of the children.
Later in the video, the owl is captured and carried outside by an Animal League employee, identified as Sergeant Murray. The bird flew back into the night.
The Animal Welfare League said covering chimneys during winter will help prevent ‘curious critters’ including birds, squirrels and bats. Wildlife may use a chimney to nest in the winter and avoid cold air and wind, and some species even use them as a den during birth, according to home solutions company HY-C. Covering a chimney can also prevent leaves, snow and other debris from falling down the shaft.
