Ananova:

An owl that can kill and eat a small deer has escaped from its enclosure in Wales.

Clyne Farm activity centre, near Swansea, has warned the public to be on the alert after the 2ft high owl, with a 6ft wing span and ferocious talons, flew off.

The European Eagle Owl, who goes by the name of Mr Whoo, got free after storms blew a hole in his cage.

Although the owl was bred in captivity he is still a threat to small animals and could be aggressive if approached, the centre warned.

The activity centre fears he may die soon because he is not used to having to feed himself.

Head instructor Tracey Mainwaring said: "Although he is weaker than a bird that's wild he's still a very powerful bird and he's quite big.

"I wouldn't approach him because he might be aggressive because he's afraid. Small birds and small cats should give him a wide berth.

"He's got a sharp beak, but the beak's not what you should worry about because he's got really ferocious talons."

Ms Mainwaring said the owl, which is usually found in the Arctic circle or Spain, would eat small mammals in the wild and occasionally even small roe deer. It gets the name "eagle" from the eyebrow-like tufts above its eyes.

Anyone who spots Mr Whoo should cover him with a blanket and ring Clyne Farm on 01792 403 333.

-- Anonymous, November 01, 2002