Man Pulls Over When He Spots Sick Owl By Side Of Highway, Then The Bird Refuses To Let Him Go

Although it’s always better to leave interaction with wild animals to the professionals, one lucky owl was more than happy to find help from an ordinary man who stopped to check on him.

Joel Todd was driving in Alabama with his wife, Monica, when he spotted the poor thing dangerously close to a busy highway. He couldn’t help but pull over to try and nudge the owl back to a safer distance.

However, the little guy clearly took a shine to Joel. He immediately started climbing up the man’s leg. Joel tried to keep him from making his way all the way up by leaning his arm down — but the owl only saw that as an invitation to hitch a ride.

While they waited for help to arrive, Monica gave her husband the nickname “owl whisperer.” When a ranger from Alabama State Parks finally took over, she agreed that the owl’s behavior toward Joel was pretty unusual.

It’s heartbreaking to think what might have happened if the couple hadn’t pulled over to make sure he was OK.

The owl is now in good hands and being treated for any ailments he might have. Hopefully, he’ll be able to return to the wild stronger than ever.