A Virginia family welcomed an unexpected vacationer into their fireplace a week before Christmas.
A wild barred owl entered a home through the home’s chimney, the Arlington Animal Welfare League said on social media. Once home, the owl landed on the family Christmas tree, displacing the star that was already there to do so.
In a video clip shared by the Animal Welfare League, the owl can be seen wandering around the house, to the delight of two young children who can be heard laughing at the bird. The owl explored the kitchen for a few moments, then returned to the Christmas tree.
“And back to the tree,” said 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 away into the night.
The Animal Welfare League said blocking chimneys during winter would help prevent “curious creatures” including birds, squirrels and bats. Wildlife can use a chimney for shelter and avoid cold air and wind during the winter, and some species can even use them as dens when giving birth, according to home solutions company HY-C . Covering a chimney can also prevent leaves, snow and other debris from falling into the well.
