An owl became stuck at the top of a Virginia family’s Christmas tree the week before the big day.

“This beautiful Barred Owl decided to play Santa and drop in—literally—through the chimney of a local home, and declared himself the newest star on top of their Christmas tree,” the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) said.

The bird knocked over the old star to make room for himself, the rescue organisation added.

An officer captured the owl and released it back into the wild.

“This is a great reminder to keep your chimneys capped this season to prevent curious critters from coming to visit,” AWLA said.