CLEARWATER, Fla. — A detective was walking through a busy parking lot in Clearwater on Tuesday morning when he conducted quite an “owl-some” rescue.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said around 8:30 a.m., the detective came across a lone Eastern Screech Owlet on the ground in the middle of the asphalt — right in the path of traffic.

He first moved the owlet to a safe location nearby and waited to see if a parent owl would return for their baby. But after some time, no adult appeared.

So, it was time to call the pros. He contacted the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission for help. 

An FWC officer was then able to take the owlet to a specialized rehabilitation center where wildlife experts can provide the care needed.

“Remember: If you find young wildlife that appears orphaned, first observe from a distance as parents are often nearby,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a Facebook post. “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.”