Local Woman Mistaken for Mouse by Powerful Owl During Firepit Wee
- Finn Seabrook
- Jun 22
- 2 min read
Finn Seabrook | Local Correspondent | The Shire Sutherland Gazette
22 June 2025
GYMEA BAY - A quiet backyard BBQ turned into a scene from a low-budget bushland thriller on Saturday night, after local woman Mel Kerrigan, 39, was allegedly targeted by a Powerful Owl while on a late-night trip to the laundry loo.
The drama unfolded shortly after 9:30pm, when Mel excused herself from the firepit where her friends were discussing astrology and Woolooware Bay developments. Moments later, guests heard a blood-curdling screech, followed by Mel reappearing in full flight, arms flailing like a drunk ibis, pants partially re-fastened.
“I thought it was a possum or one of those aggressive bin cats,” she recounted, still holding a half-full Sunday Road tinnie. “But then I saw its eyes. Judgy. Gigantic. Powerful.”
“It was honestly more traumatic for us,” said friend and eyewitness Bree, 38. “The owl just sat there. But Mel came barrelling across the backyard screaming, doing this full-body flappy panic dance, like a toddler chasing a magpie. I’m still not right.”
Experts have confirmed the feathered assailant was indeed a Powerful Owl - Australia’s largest raptor known for its intimidating stare, haunting call, and a known reputation for backyard intimidation
“Mel probably looked like a slow-moving possum with poor spatial awareness,” said a local birdwatcher. “Honestly, lucky it didn’t swoop.”
“It was perched above the Hills Hoist, watching,” said guest Sheree. “Some say protecting the ecosystem. I say… personal.”
While no physical injuries were sustained, Mel insists she “absolutely felt hunted,” and now refers to her laundry as “The Kill Zone.”
Council has advised residents to clap loudly before entering the yard at night and to “pull your pants up before running.”
The owl has declined to comment.
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