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For thousands of years, people believed that owls were more |
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like gods than animals. Even in modern times they have been used |
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to signify wisdom, magic, and power, but the simple truth is that |
| Line |
owls are no more divine than other birds. The large, round heads |
| (5) |
and huge, forward-facing eyes that inclined ancient observers to |
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believe that owls possessed divine intelligence are simply |
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natural adaptations developed to help the predators catch the |
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small animals that make up their food supply. |
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Although owls do not possess any of the mystical powers |
| (10) |
often attributed to them in mythology, they are formidable |
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hunters whose skill surpasses that of other birds of prey. Their |
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acute senses ensure that owls rarely fail to notice a potential |
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meal, and their ability to fly silently means that the |
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unfortunate mouse identified by the owl as its next snack never |
| (15) |
realizes it is the object of an attack until too late. |
