Sleepy Owl Discovered Napping in Upstate New York Antique Store

Customers alerted staff after spotting the eastern screech owl resting on a shelf between trinkets.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Shoppers at The Market Place antique store in the hamlet of East Durham, New York, were surprised to discover a live eastern screech owl napping on a shelf between trinkets for sale. Customers alerted store staff, who then contacted environmental conservation officers. The officers carefully removed the sleeping bird and released it into a nearby wooded area, where it flew off into a tree.

Why it matters

Sightings of wild animals in unexpected urban or commercial settings can be unusual and noteworthy, especially for a nocturnal species like the eastern screech owl. This incident highlights the adaptability of wildlife and the importance of responsible handling when wild animals are encountered in populated areas.

The details

On February 21, customers at The Market Place antique store in East Durham, New York, spotted an "extremely lifelike" eastern screech owl resting on a shelf next to a cookie jar. They alerted store staff, who then contacted the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. Conservation officers arrived and carefully removed the sleeping bird, cradling it before releasing it into a nearby wooded area, where it flew off into a tree.

  • The owl was discovered by customers on February 21, 2026.

The players

The Market Place

An antique store located in the hamlet of East Durham, New York, where the sleeping owl was discovered.

New York Department of Environmental Conservation

The state agency that responded to the report of the owl and oversaw its safe removal and release.

Eastern Screech Owl

A small, nocturnal owl species native to eastern North America that was found napping in the antique store.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This unusual sighting of a wild owl in a commercial setting serves as a reminder of the adaptability of wildlife and the importance of responsible handling when encountering wild animals in populated areas. The successful rescue and release of the owl by conservation officers highlights the importance of public awareness and cooperation in protecting local wildlife.