A Virginia family had an unexpected holiday visitor come down their chimney a week before Christmas.
A wild owl flew into a house through the chimney of the house, Animal Welfare League of Arlington he said on social media. Once home, the owl landed on the family’s Christmas tree, displacing the star that was already there to do so.
In a video clip shared by the Animal Welfare Leaguethe owl can be seen gliding around the house, to the delight of two small 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,” says one of the children.
Later in the video, the owl is captured and taken 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 the winter will help deter “curious creatures” such as birds, squirrels and bats. Wildlife may use a chimney to crouch and avoid cold air and wind during the winter, and some species may even use it as a den while giving birth, according to HY-C home solutions company. Capping a chimney can also prevent leaves, snow and other debris from falling down the shaft.