The while owl at the temple. Telegraph picture

Paradip, Sept. 26: A rare white owl, which is a scheduled animal under the wildlife act, has become an enigma after entering a temple here.

The avian species has apparently given up its nocturnal flight after it made the Sarala temple, located at the heart of the town, its home.

Though a nocturnal animal, the owl has been seen flying out of the temple during the day, only to reappear after dusk.

“We sighted the owl on top of a pillar-like structure of the temple on Friday night. It remains motionless. We are keeping an eye on it. It’s strange that it leaves the temple when the sun rises and returns to its new home after sunset,” said Baghirathi Sahu, a senior trustee member of the temple.

A number of local residents thought the bird was sacred and that it brought luck and prosperity.

Devotees have also been offering puja to the bird when they come to pay their respects to Sarala deity, the trustee said.

Wildlife experts have also expressed interest in this rare bird.

“It is interesting to note that this rare bird has preferred to stay in the temple. Owls are predators and search food only at night. Their visibility is exceedingly poor during the day,” said Soubhagya Kumar Sahu, a wildlife official.

Forest officials have been informed about the owl and they are keeping an eye on the bird.

“I have been informed about this owl and am studying its behaviour. The Kujang forest officer has been asked to make a report on it,” said Manoj Kumar Mahapatra, divisional forest officer (DFO), Rajnagar mangrove (wildlife) forest division.

The DFO said the white owl was a protected species under schedule 3 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

“It’s heartening to note that the temple management has ensured that no harm is done to the creature. There are many tales related to owls in Hindu mythology and this is the reason why the bird is being worshipped,” Mahapatra said.

“We believe that the owl might have strayed into the temple to prey on mice,” the DFO said and added that the bird may have stayed on due to easy availability of food there.

“The surge of devotees might be a disturbing factor for it during the day. The owl must have built its nest near the temple and is retreating there to avoid daytime din and bustle,” Mahapatra added.