The snowy owl might be on the endangered species list, but a cute new photograph of the majestic bird could make even the most ardent supporter of logging crack a smile.

Photographer Tim Man was hiking in the wintry, picturesque lands of the Olympic National Park in Washington when he came across the bird in an interesting pose. He snapped a picture and sent it to The Sun who also got a big kick out of the smiling owl.

Since then, it has managed to infiltrate its way across the Internet and into our hearts.

Of course, this owl doesn't have much to smile about when it comes to prolonging its very existence. According to the Defenders of Wildlife organization, snowy owls are dying out because of climate change and poachers who hunt them for their eyes and feet, despite being protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Maybe this owl is just laughing because, well, their waning existence reminded them of the final scene from 'Monty Python's Life of Brian'.

Take a look at another photo of the happy bird below.

Smiling owl
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