Police officers responding to what seemed like a life-or-death emergency experienced one of their most unexpected calls when they discovered that the desperate screams for help were not coming from a woman in danger — but from a parrot with an astonishing ability to mimic the human voice.
The incident began when a resident called 911 reporting terrifying screams coming from a neighboring property. According to the caller, a woman could be heard yelling for help repeatedly, her voice sounding frantic and distressed. The nature of the call immediately prompted officers to respond with urgency.
Bodycam footage shows officers arriving at the scene, flashlights cutting through the darkness as they listen for the direction of the cries. The sound is unmistakable — a voice repeating distress calls with increasing intensity. Believing they might be walking into a domestic violence situation or a potential kidnapping, officers cautiously move toward the source.
As they reach the rear of the property, the screams grow louder. The officers prepare for a forced entry, expecting to find a victim in danger. Their pace quickens, and they call out commands, hoping for a response. But instead of a person, the source of the chaos slowly becomes clear.
Inside a small shed or animal enclosure, officers finally locate the “victim” — a brightly colored parrot perched casually on a branch, staring back at them. What they had been hearing the entire time was not a woman at all, but the bird flawlessly imitating human screams. It continues vocalizing as officers shine their lights on it, almost as if it is proud of its performance.
The officers exchange relieved laughter as the tension breaks. Moments earlier, they were preparing for a high-risk rescue. Now they are standing face-to-face with a feathered prankster. The homeowner explains that the parrot has a long history of mimicking voices, including arguing, laughing, and, unfortunately, screaming. Neighbors who aren’t familiar with the bird often believe someone is in trouble.
What began as a frightening emergency turned into one of the most unexpected calls of the officers’ careers. The footage highlights both the realism of the parrot’s mimicry and the seriousness with which officers respond to potential distress calls. Even when the situation turns out to be harmless, the priority is — and always will be — ensuring no one is in danger.
In the end, no crime had taken place, and the only “suspect” was a talented parrot with a dramatic flair. Officers left the scene amused, shaking their heads at how convincingly the bird had imitated a human cry for help. The incident, while lighthearted in hindsight, serves as a reminder of the unpredictable — and sometimes hilarious — nature of emergency response work.