A starving Eurasian eagle-owl was forced to swim to shore after being mobbed by seagulls on a beach in Spain.

The owl was spotted by a local who called the emergency services on July 11.

Workers from the Environment department of the municipality of Mijas arrived at the scene and used a blanket to cover the owl so that it did not stress out.

The owl was then taken to the Environment Department facilities for treatment. It was not injured but needed to recover weight while being isolated so that it does not get used to human beings. Once it is done, it will be released to its natural habitat.

The mayor of Mijas, Josele Gonzalez, thanked citizens that called the emergency services to ensure 'a happy ending'.

Conservationist Vega Rodriguez explained that the owl had been unable to fly once it was in the water, as its feathers had become waterlogged and the only way to get to the land was to swim.

Eurasian eagle-owls are a protected species in Spain and it is illegal to harm them.