An Arizona police department posted a cheeky reminder that maybe it’s not such a great idea to illegally purchase wildlife while also high on narcotics. Â
The Payson Police Department shared a post on Facebook on Nov. 9 which detailed how early that morning, officers conducted a traffic stop and as they approached the vehicle, they could see a tiny owl next to the driver.Â
Upon further investigation, officers found that the owl was not domesticated and had been purchased by the driver for $100 at a local gas station. Â
A Payson police officer holding a wild owl that was purchased from a gas station for $100. (Payson Police Department Facebook)
The person who sold the owl had found the critter along the roadway, police said. Â
The department not only posted a reminder that it is illegal to possess, transport, buy or sell wildlife unless circumstances permit otherwise, but they also noted that maybe it’s not such a great idea to use methamphetamine “or you too may find yourself illegally purchasing a wild owl.” Â
“The Payson Police Department would also like to take this opportunity to encourage the public not to use methamphetamine or you too may find yourself illegally purchasing a wild owl, for $100 dollars, in the middle of the night, from strangers, at a local gas station,” the post read. Â
FILE – Picture of a small wild owl that was illegally purchased for $100 at a gas station. (Payson Police Department Facebook)
The driver ended up being arrested on charges of aggravated DUI, possession of methamphetamine, and the possession, transport, and purchase of wildlife. Â
The owl did suffer some minor injuries and is now in the care of Arizona Game and Fish.Â
This story was reported from Los Angeles.Â