AN OWL with a six foot wingspan which could kill a cat or small dog has escaped.
The European eagle owl, called Merlin, was being trained by owner Matt Waterman when a gust of wind freaked it and it flew off.
Matt, of Lowfield Road, Bolton, said: "In the wild they eat rats, small deer, foxes and rabbits but they will pick up cats and small dogs no problem. They are so powerful and they have talons nearly two inches long."
He has had the £150 eight-month-old bird about four months but has only been training it 'off the leash' about three weeks. "I'm just starting to learn falconry, I can't believe this happened."
Matt has been scouring fields and woods since Merlin escaped on Wednesday. The RSPCA and police have been informed.
