Owl Flies Inside Helicopter To Join Pilot Battling Massive Forest Fire

Oct 23, 2020

Animals turn up in some amazing places. Earlier this year, Dan Alpiner, a helicopter pilot who was fighting the Creek Fire in California's Sierra National Forest, was greeted by a wild owl in his cockpit.

Owls are not known for their interactions with humans. The predatory birds seem to stick to themselves. Maybe helicopter pilot Dan Alpiner seemed like such a nice person, and the owl had to visit. Alpiner seemed shocked at the unexpected event, but the occurrence was assuredly a real one, as ABC 7 reports.

"I’m still trying to comprehend it. It was just unreal," Alpiner told The Dodo. "It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime kind of things."

Alpiner took to the skies in his helicopter for an important mission. He was battling the Creek Fire, which has burned more than 300,000 acres northeast of Fresno, as The Fresno Bee reports. That makes the Creek Fire the largest individual wildfire in California history, and as of October 23, the fire continues to burn. The targeted process of pouring water on the flames can help curtail some of the blaze, and that was the job Dan Alpiner found himself performing. He did think he would be handling the duties alone. Then, an owl came along for the flight.

Maybe Alpiner did his part to welcome the owl unknowingly. Someone left a side window open, and the owl flew right inside. Keep in mind, the helicopter was hovering 200 feet in the air, according to The Dodo. The owl might have found the strange "whirlybird" worth exploring. The open window provides easy entry for the curious feathered friend.

The owl's presence did serve as a sad reminder to Alpiner and anyone who hears this story. The burning wildfires likely killed many animals and their habitats. Wildfires, sadly, have become expected in California, as they occur with somewhat alarming frequency.

No one becomes used to the wildfires, as their devastation brings continual misery. Maybe the owl's arrival was nature's way of telling people who also suffers when fires rage.

The owl didn't seem scared of Alpiner at all. The bird flew to the seat next to the pilot and remained there for a while. Even though Alpiner made two refillings, the owl did not leave the helicopter. Eventually, the owl would leave. He did so when the helicopter neared the area where the owl entered. Somehow, the bird got his bearings, realized he was near home, and went back.

Proof of the encounter exists. Alpiner took a photo of the beautiful owl as it sat next to him. The creature kept a somber and serious expression on its face. No, owl's don't show "real" emotions. People tend to read emotions into animals even though the feelings aren't really there. Regardless, the look on this owl's face proves telling. Wildfires require serious commitments to address and solve. The look on the owl's face matches that feeling.

People may find a strange story stunning. How could an owl become so comfortable with a human? Why would an owl feel safe in a loud helicopter? No one knows the reasons, but many could hear the story. Tell everyone about it, as they may find it intriguing. And the tale could raise awareness about the wildfires, which is a positive thing.