FOR countless bewitched youngsters and their doting parents, it might seem like a magical Christmas present.

With Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone wowing packed cinema audiences across Britain, the owls which act as the wizards' messenger service have become firm favourites with entranced young fans.

In particular, they love Harry's own pet called Hedwig, a large white Snowy Owl - and many are now asking for one of their own.

But wildlife experts are warning the clamour for feathered friends could have disastrous results, putting youngsters at risk of serious injury and causing suffering to scores of birds.

Bruce Berry, director of the New Forest Owl Sanctuary, has had almost 50 calls in the wake of the film's hype from people asking where they can get hold of an owl.

It is perfectly legal to buy one brought up in captivity, but Bruce said the birds are completely unsuitable as domestic pets.

"It is becoming a nightmare. People see them on the film, think they are all cute and lovely, and get carried away," he explained.

"A girl and her mum brought a barn owl in here the other day for us to look after, because they couldn't cope. She was wearing an ordinary gardening clove, and her hand was badly scratched.

"If people are not careful, a bird's talons could scar or seriously hurt a youngster. Even a little barn owl could cause a lot of damage."

He added that owls also require a diet of mice or rats, regular exercise - mainly at night - and react badly to being kept indoors, with central heating particularly harmful to their lifestyle.

And while Bruce does not criticise the film itself, he is worried the fantasy setting could be misleading.

"There is a scene with a Snowy Owl being carried along in a cage, but they cannot be kept in cages," he said.

"If people are interested, they can sponsor one of our birds, or come along one afternoon and have one fly on to their hands, under the guidance of a professional handler.

"But it is vital we get the message across that they should not become some kind of fashionable Christmas gift. It could be dangerous, and sanctuaries like ours will end up being flooded with unwanted, wretched birds."