Owl Found Napping in New York Antique Store

Shoppers discover sleeping eastern screech owl next to cookie jar on store shelf.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Shoppers at an antique store in East Durham, New York were surprised to find an eastern screech owl sleeping on a shelf next to a chicken-shaped cookie jar. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation was called, and an officer carefully removed the owl and released it into a nearby wooded area.

Why it matters

Sightings of wild animals in unexpected urban locations can be unusual and noteworthy, especially for a nocturnal species like the eastern screech owl. This incident highlights the ability of wildlife to adapt and thrive even in developed areas, as well as the importance of responsible wildlife management and conservation efforts.

The details

Employees at the antique store in East Durham reported that shoppers noticed something "extremely lifelike" on one of the shelves. Upon closer inspection, they discovered a sleeping eastern screech owl perched next to a chicken-shaped cookie jar. Environmental Conservation Officer Darren Milliron was called to the scene and carefully picked up the owl, then released it into a nearby wooded area where it was observed flying into a tree.

  • The incident occurred on February 21, 2026.
  • The owl was discovered sleeping on the antique store shelf.

The players

New York Department of Environmental Conservation

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting New York's natural resources, including wildlife.

Darren Milliron

An Environmental Conservation Officer with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation who responded to the antique store and released the owl.

Eastern Screech Owl

A small owl species native to eastern North America that is known for its ability to adapt to urban and suburban environments.

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What they’re saying

“Employees at an antique store stated that shoppers noticed something extremely lifelike on one of the shelves.”

— New York Department of Environmental Conservation (upi.com)

The takeaway

This unusual sighting of a wild owl in an antique store highlights the adaptability of certain wildlife species and the importance of responsible wildlife management, even in urban areas. It serves as a reminder that nature can thrive alongside human development when given the opportunity.