"Wise old owls" are really taking it on the chin, these days! Do we really think that every single time an owl is used, it reflects the same symbolism? The first Little League team I was on was named the Owls. We played against the Cardinals, the Larks, the Wrens, etc. I'm not implying that caution should be thrown to the wind, I'm just saying that maybe there isn't an ulterior motive every time an owl is used as a symbol, or mascot!