Baby Screech Owl Rescued From Busy FL Parking Lot By Deputy

CLEARWATER, FL — An Eastern screech owlet was found alone by a deputy Tuesday morning in a Clearwater parking lot, according to a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Detective Smith stumbled upon the baby bird, which was on the ground in the middle of the asphalt lot, right in the path of vehicle traffic.

Smith first moved the young owl to a safer location nearby, then watched the area, waiting to see if its parents would return for their baby.

“When no adult appeared despite the morning hour for this nocturnal little one, he knew it was time to call the pros,” the sheriff’s office said.

The officer contacted the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission for assistance. An FWC officer picked up the owlet and took it to a specialized raptor rehabilitation center, where experts can provide the care it needs.

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

The Eastern screech owl, which ranges from 7 to 10 inches in height, is the smallest of the five owl species that call Florida home, according to the University of Florida/IFAS extension program.

The owl is found throughout the state in a variety of habitats, including swamps and pine and oak forests, as well as urban and suburban areas.

To contact the FWC for wildlife assistance, call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) or use the "FWC Wildlife Alert" app.