LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) 鈥 One Kentucky family got a little something extra when they picked out their Christmas tree this year: an owl.
Lexington resident Michele White told that it鈥檚 a tradition for the family to pick out a Christmas tree every year and this year seemed no different. They had the tree in their home for four days and didn鈥檛 notice anything unusual.
鈥淚 have three dogs,鈥 White said. 鈥淲e use this room nonstop: watch TV; the kitchen鈥檚 right here; no indication.鈥
Bobby Hayes, who owns Magic Carpet Cleaning and was at the home while the family was out, first noticed the bird after plugging in a piece of equipment and seeing the tree start to sway.
鈥淭he owl was literally sitting on a lower limb here,鈥 Hayes said.
鈥淚t crawled up into the tree further,鈥 Hayes said. 鈥淚t took me several minutes to even find it.鈥
He sent photos to White, who said she was glad he was there to deal with the animal. Hayes said he was able to safely release the owl in the family鈥檚 backyard.
鈥淓verybody鈥檚 going to be able to have a merry Christmas now,鈥 Hayes said.
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This story was first published on December 15, 2023. It was updated on December 18, 2023, to correct that the age of the owl is unknown.
