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A beloved barn owl named Nebula — a familiar friend to North Shore Scouts and countless school children — has gone missing from the Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown, prompting a community-wide search.
According to a Facebook post from Sweetbriar (see below), Nebula slipped away from her handler during an educational program Sunday evening and flew off.
Nebula isn’t a wild owl — she’s an imprinted, non-native barn owl who relies on people for her care, the post reads. Sweetbriar says she may appear friendly or unafraid of humans, but anyone who spots her should not attempt to catch her.
Instead, the center is urging residents to call 631-979-6344 or send a direct message to Sweetbriar on social media right away.
“Please share this post far and wide — the faster we spread the word, the better our chances of bringing her home safely,” the center wrote.
Sweetbriar’s team and volunteers have been searching the area since Sunday night.
Top: Nebula has been missing since Sunday. (Credit: Sweetbriar Nature Center/Facebook)
