Police officers on patrol had an unexpected moment on Sunday when an unusual “road user” caught their attention.
While traveling along the A47 near Lowestoft in Suffolk, the officers noticed a tawny owl calmly trying to make its way across the road. The sight was surprising enough that they immediately slowed down to avoid startling the bird — or putting it in danger.
Not wanting to “ruffle any feathers,” as the force later joked, the officers reached out to Marine and Wildlife Rescue for guidance. Experts suggested that the owl was likely disoriented, possibly “shell shocked,” and had momentarily lost its sense of direction.
Before rescuers could arrive, however, the owl made its own decision.
“As the team was swooping in to help, our wise friend decided it was time to take flight — clearly not interested in a ride in the back of a police car,” the force said.
With the owl safely airborne again, officers continued their patrol, relieved that the unexpected visitor appeared to be back on track.