FAIRBANKS -- A captive great gray owl that escaped from his pen more than two weeks ago is back home.

Earl's keeper, Nancy DeWitt, told the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner that she might have failed to fasten his latch properly.

Earl was hit by a car six years ago and his wing injury limits his ability to fly and hunt. DeWitt uses him in educational programs.

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner said neighbors saw the bird beside the road, hopping around.

DeWitt said Earl was skinny but perky and, once home, eagerly downed the four frozen mice she thawed for him.