Giant owl escapes in England

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LOWER STRATTON, England, March 12 (UPI) -- Authorities in southwest England are warning residents to be on the lookout for a giant owl that may be hungry enough to make a meal of their pet cat or dog.

The European eagle owl escaped Sunday from its enclosure in the back garden of a home in Lower Stratton, near Swindon, The Times of London Online reports.

"The owner went into the enclosure and the owl flew at him," says a spokeswoman for Wiltshire police.

The spokeswoman said the owl, which has a six-foot wingspan, is unlikely to attack humans because it was bred in captivity.

"But it could try to carry off a cat or small dog," she said. "If anyone spots the owl they should contact police and we will send an appropriate team."