Keonjhar: Forest division officials here have rescued an endangered barn owl, which is a scheduled animal under the Wildlife Act, from a government-run degree college in Harichandanpur block.

The avian species, which was probably attacked by a predator in forest, had sneaked into B.B. College in Harichandanpur.

The bird was in a distressed condition. The college authorities informed the forest staff members about the matter.

"We rescued the bird and later released it into the wild," said forest range officer Ashok Kumar Nayak.

"We were scared after spotting the bird perched atop a wooden plank of a classroom. Curious students rushed to catch glimpse of the bird. We ensured that no harm is caused to the rare bird. People in these parts believe that the owl which is partially white complexioned is a harbinger of peace, said a teacher of the college, Hemant Swain.

As many people had crowded the house to have a look at the bird, it was disturbed and had become panicky. We ensnared it in a net and released it in the reserve forest. It was safe, Nayak said.

The barn owl, which was rescued is a protected species under schedule three of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. These owls specialise in hunting small mammals, which they locate by sound.

The forested areas in Keonjhar district is a safe and congenial habitat for owls, an official said.