AN escaped owl may now be so hungry it could resort to killing dogs and cats.

The three-foot European eagle owl, with a wingspan of about six feet, has been missing from its Lower Stratton home since 9pm on Sunday.

But despite being bred in captivity, the giant may resort to natural instincts to satisfy its hunger.

A Wiltshire police spokeswoman said: “As the owl has been missing since Sunday it will by now be very hungry and could attack small dogs or cats in order to eat.

“Our advice to owners of small dogs is to keep an eye on their pet and to keep it on the lead.”

There is no suggestion that the bird of prey would swoop on children, especially as it has been familiar with children since it was a chick.

However unlikely it may be to attack humans, police have warned members of the public not to approach the bird if they see it. Instead they should contact the police or RSPCA.

The owners almost caught up with the owl – which the Adver believes is called Megan – at Bridge End Road in Stratton.

The bird was spotted by a member of the public on top of a large pole in a nearby scrapyard.

The owner arrived at the scene with a glove and food to try and tempt it down but before it could be coaxed a passing pigeon distracted Megan and she flew off.

Keith Jones spotted Megan an hour later on Cheney Manor Golf Course.

“I thought it was a dog at first,” said Keith, 65, of Ash Brake, North Swindon.

“It was just sitting there on the golf course. I turned to see if anyone was playing and just saw it there on the grass – it really is a magnificent bird.”

The eagle owl, also known as Bubo bubo, is a large, powerful bird with dark orange eyes, long ear tufts and brown plumage. It is commonly kept in captivity and, since the 18th century, the species has regularly escaped or has been released in the UK.

Its native home however is Europe, North Africa, Asia and Middle East where it lives in habitats varying from rocky slopes and mountainous forests to semi-desert conditions.

Wild eagle owls live on a diet of large birds and a variety of small to medium-sized mammals including rabbits and hares, roe deer fawns, young foxes, hedgehogs. It is also known to prey on frogs, newts and crabs.

At the moment there are only a few established pairs that successfully breed and these are mainly found in northern England.

Screech Animal Sanctuary owner Carolyn Screech said: “They are certainly very resourceful birds and will prey on anything from rabbits to chickens to bigger animals like household pets.

“I certainly would warn pet owners to keep an eye on their animals”

The sanctuary, near Bodmin in Cornwall, is home to four European eagle owls, with ages from a year to nine years old.

“We had an eagle owl escape a few years back and it completely wiped out our rookery,” said Carolyn.

“That bird went on to survive in the wild for three or four years until it was caught in some netting and we were able to bring it back here.

“In the 1800s they lived perfectly wild in the UK but now they are locally endangered so it is important they are protected.”

Anyone who sees the owl should call Wiltshire Police on 0845 408 7000.

Alternatively they can call the RSPCA North Wiltshire branch on 01793 640136 or 0300 1234 999.