Kate Newman loves owls and has several owl ornaments on her tree.
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When her 10-year-old daughter came to her in tears saying one of the ornaments scared her, she decided to investigate.
Turns out, a real owl was hiding in the Christmas tree.
The family tried leaving their doors and windows open all night so it could escape, but the bird stayed put.
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Finally, they called a wildlife expert who came and captured the owl.
Judging by the eastern screech-owl's thin frame, the family thinks it was in the tree as long as they had it in their house -- more than a week!
Newman said she doesn't think the visitor flew too far away. She swears she can still hear it hooting at night.