Arizona police say don’t do drugs or you might end up buying owls from strangers for $100 at sketchy gas stations.
· Nov 16, 2022 · NottheBee.com

According to a public service announcement from Arizona police, doing drugs could lead to illegally purchasing a wild owl from a stranger for $100.

The Payson police department issued the warning via social media:

As you might expect from such a specific warning, it was inspired by true events.

An Arizona man was pulled over on a suspected DUI stop, and found to be under the influence of methamphetamines, and there beside him in the vehicle's passenger seat was a young owl, looking as confused as the driver.

The man was booked on multiple counts, including aggravated DUI, possession of methamphetamine, and possession/transport/purchase of wildlife. He said he had purchased the owl while under the influence for $100 at a local gas station, which is apparently where one normally buys pet owls late at night.

The owl was recovered with minor injuries and turned over to the Arizona Game and Fish Department to be treated and released back into the wild.


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