Uttar Pradesh Residents Stunned To Spot Rare White Owls Outside Their Homes

In a residential area in Uttar Pradesh, a magical looking white owl, just like the Harry Potter’s world, was spotted recently. These rare owls, usually found in the highest peaks of Europe or the Himalayan Mountains, made an unexpected appearance in Badaun, UP. Residents capturing the video were surprised to see not just one but a pair of these white owls. The footage shared on Instagram by All India Radio News, quickly went viral and garnered worldwide attention. The video shows the rare white owls sitting on a tree outside a house, causing excitement and curiosity among the people recording. Currently, the mysterious presence of these owls in the Uttar Pradesh village has left officials wondering about their origin and how they reached the area.

Sharing the video, the AIR wrote, “Rare white owl spotted in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh. A rare pair of white owls, believed to be an extinct species, perched on a tree outside a house. In line with local beliefs, spotting a white owl is considered incredibly auspicious. News of the sighting quickly spread, drawing a curious crowd eager to catch a glimpse. Forest Department officials have confirmed that this species under ‘vulnerable’ category is not typically found in these areas and efforts are underway to locate and safely release these owls back into their natural habitat.”

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Back in 2023, locals in Kanpur captured a similar looking white owl. According to Times of India reports, a shopkeeper noticed the owl on the shutter and quickly informed the forest department. The officials intervened, using a scarf to catch the owl. When they brought the rescued owl to Allen Forest Zoo, the authorities declined to accept it, claiming that the owl was in healthy condition and wasn’t injured. They claimed the bird couldn’t be kept in a cage and decided it would be best to release it into the wild. The forest department later released the bird into the jungles of the Allen Forest Zoo.

White owls like these typically find home in remote areas, however, their winter migrations are unpredictable, making it challenging to estimate their population accurately. Partners in Flight suggest a global population of around 29,000. Reports suggest that these species need constant care to prevent them from further declines. Interestingly, owls are protected from trapping and shooting, which safeguards them during winters in populated areas.