Sleepy Owl Discovered Napping on Shelf in New York Antique Store
Shoppers in upstate New York made an unexpected and rare discovery earlier this month while browsing a local antique store. They found a live owl resting peacefully among the items on a shelf, creating a surprising wildlife encounter in a retail setting.
Incident Details and Location
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation confirmed on Friday that the incident occurred on February 21 in the hamlet of East Durham. This location is approximately 127 miles north of Manhattan, placing it well within the scenic upstate region. Customers at The Market Place antique store initially noticed what they described as "something extremely lifelike" on one of the shelves and promptly alerted store staff to the unusual sighting.
Rescue and Release Operation
Environmental conservation police officers responded to the scene and found a brown-and-white owl perched on the shelf with its eyes firmly shut. The bird was resting serenely next to a cookie jar shaped like a chicken, adding a whimsical touch to the scene. Officers carefully cradled the sleeping owl to remove it from the store without causing distress. They then released it into a nearby wooded area, where it flew into a tree, marking a successful rescue operation.
Species and Behaviour Insights
The owl was identified as an eastern screech owl, a nocturnal species that typically nests in tree cavities. It remains unclear how the owl managed to enter the store, as these birds are not commonly found indoors. The department has sent an email to the store's owners to gather more information about the incident, but no immediate explanations have been provided.
This event highlights the occasional intersections between urban environments and wildlife, reminding us of the importance of conservation efforts and respectful human-animal interactions. The peaceful resolution underscores the effectiveness of trained officers in handling such delicate situations.
