In Clearwater, Florida, an Eastern Screech owlet was rescued from a busy parking lot after a detective discovered the baby in the line of life-threatening traffic, according to KENS5 News.
Detective Smith of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office was walking in the parking lot when he happened to spot the vulnerable owlet.
Responding swiftly, the detective moved the bird to a safer location and watched to make sure an adult owl would come to their aid. When a parent didn’t show up, Smith knew he couldn’t just leave the baby behind.
The detective got in touch with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, and an FWC officer brought the owlet to a raptor rehabilitation center for treatment.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office then issued an important reminder on Facebook, advising residents on how to handle similar situations.
“Remember: If you find young wildlife that appears orphaned, first observe from a distance as parents are often nearby,” the sheriff’s office stated. “However, if an animal is in immediate danger (like this owlet in a busy parking lot), safely moving it nearby is appropriate. When in doubt, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for professional guidance.”
Lady Freethinker is grateful to Detective Smith for his compassion and decisive actions to protect this stranded owlet.
