LEXINGTON, Ky. (NEWSnet/AP) — One Kentucky family got a something extra when they chose their Christmas tree: an owl.

Lexington resident Michele White told WDKY-TV the family had the tree in their home for four days and didn’t notice anything unusual.

“I have three dogs,” White said. “We use this room nonstop,  watch TV. The kitchen’s right here … no indication.”

Bobby Hayes, who owns Magic Carpet Cleaning, was at the home when the family was out, noticed the bird after plugging in a piece of equipment and seeing the tree start to sway.

“The owl was literally sitting on a lower limb here,” Hayes said.

“It crawled up into the tree further,” Hayes said. “It took me several minutes to even find it.”

He sent photos to White, who said she was glad he was there to deal with the animal. Hayes said he was able to safely release the owl in the family’s backyard.

“Everybody’s going to be able to have a merry Christmas now,” Hayes said.

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