Of all of Thande's sworn enemies, owlbears are the true match made in hell. They combine the worst of his regular foes, bears and owls, into one annoyingly fear-and-annoyance inducing hybrid package.
As if that wasn't enough, knowing Thande's academic background, he'll no doubt have to settle a crisis regarding the research funding for this year's British owlbear genetic experiments programme. The Genetics Department's been breathing down the neck of their rivals, much to Thande's dismay. Tough luck !