CLEARWATER, Fla. — A Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputy saved an owlet from vehicle traffic in a Clearwater parking lot Wednesday morning.

Detective Smith was walking in the area around 8:30 a.m. when he noticed a lone Eastern Screech Owlet was on the ground in the middle of the asphalt, officials said.

Smith moved the owlet to a safer location nearby and waited to see if the owlet’s parents would return. After no sign of adult owls, Smith contacted Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), where an FWC officer arrived and transported the owlet to a specialized rehabilitation center.

Officials said that if anyone finds young wildlife that appears orphaned, observe them from a distance first, as parents are often nearby, but safely move it out of harm’s way if the animal is in immediate danger.

If in doubt, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for professional guidance.