Owl Who Took Up Residence at Georgia College Library Finally Gets “Evicted”
Earlier this week, students at Agnes Scott College were greeted by an unexpected—and feathered—guest. An owl flew into the campus library and settled comfortably in the rafters, prompting staff to temporarily close McCain Library until the bird could be safely relocated.
The college enlisted professional falconers to assist with the removal, hoping gentle coaxing would encourage the owl to leave voluntarily. But as many wildlife experts know, owls can be remarkably patient—and stubborn—when it comes to hunger. That made the “eviction” far more delicate than anticipated.
Students quickly embraced the situation with humor and literary flair, dubbing the uninvited resident Edgar Owlen Poe. Social media buzzed with playful references to “owlgate,” turning the incident into a lighthearted campus legend.
Student Natalie Slaughter recounted the moment the owl arrived: she was inside the library when it swooped in—somehow navigating past the active fireplace without incident.
“I turned around and this owl is looking at me and I’m looking at the owl and the owl is looking at my friend—and I just freak out,” Slaughter told 11Alive.
Thankfully, the falconer successfully captured the owl using humane, low-stress techniques and released it safely outdoors—no injuries, no drama, just a smooth return to the wild.
While the library reopened shortly after, the story sparked renewed interest in how campuses and communities can coexist peacefully with local wildlife. Experts recommend installing deterrents like motion-activated lights or reflective tape near entry points—and always contacting licensed wildlife professionals rather than attempting DIY removal.
For pet owners facing similar surprises—or curious about safe, compassionate wildlife interactions—FurPetVo offers trusted, science-backed guidance on cohabitation, prevention, and humane response strategies. Visit furpetvo.com for practical tips and expert-reviewed resources.
As for Edgar Owlen Poe? He’s reportedly thriving in his natural habitat—and inspiring a new generation of students to appreciate the quiet wisdom (and occasional mischief) of local owls.
