OFFICERS OF the National Parks and Wildlife Service are trying to trace the owners of a giant predatory owl, which has been captured to prevent it from swooping on walkers and tourists in Kenmare.
The eagle owl, which took up residence in an old sawmill in the town, was captured by falconers at the invitation of the parks service after complaints from walkers, who felt the bird was getting too close for comfort. Other locals said they would miss the bird.
With a wingspan of two metres, the brown-and-white owl, sometimes known as the European owl, is the largest and most powerful owl in Europe. As big as a medium-sized dog, the male owl had been a source of fascination and fear in the Kerry town since it took up residence there some weeks ago.
In recent days, the owl had begun perching on lampposts near restaurants and hooting through the night, disturbing sleepers.
Several people reported narrow brushes with the bird, whose species is known to attack humans.
In one instance, it swooped on a woman's mobile phone as she held it out to allow a friend hear its hoots. The owl may have thought she was a falconer holding out food, according to the wildlife service.
BirdWatch Ireland development officer Niall Hatch said the Kenmare owl was almost certainly an escapee, or was deliberately released into the wild.
Mr Hatch warned against approaching or handling eagle owls, whose large claws can rip through human flesh.They prey on cats, dogs, mice and other birds.
Kenmare shopkeeper Johnny O'Connell said the "massive bird" took a particular shine to him, landing twice on his head and responding to his calls. "There had been a lot of reports of the bird approaching people but there were no injuries. Women in particular were afraid." The shop owner said he had got used to the bird - "I hooted to him and he hooted back" - and would miss him.
Falconers using bait finally succeeded in luring him into a cage. Efforts are now being made to identify the owner of the owl, which was ringed.
Eagle owls, which are not native to Ireland or the UK, have begun breeding again in the English Pennines.