Watch CBS News

Feathers Ruffled At Temple Over Owl Mascot At Canadian High School

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Temple University has asked a Canadian high school to stop using an owl mascot that looks very much like its own.

Temple officials said Thursday that the school in Kelowna, British Columbia, has agreed to change its symbol.

The Kelowna Daily Courier reports that the local high school's scowling bird was virtually identical to Temple's Hooter the Owl.

Kelowna Secondary School began using the symbol in 2002, after Temple had trademarked its image. It's not clear how the mascots ended up looking alike.

The Philadelphia university became aware of the problem only recently and notified Kelowna about two weeks ago. A Temple spokeswoman says they appreciate the school's swift response.

Temple's owl mascot stems from its roots as night school. The university enrolls about 35,000 students.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.