SEE: Watsonville Police Rescue Chickens Stuck In Evacuation Zone

BOULDER CREEK, CA — A dozen chickens stuck in a fire evacuation zone are safe this week after Watsonville police officers stumbled upon the animals while patroling the areas.

Officers with the department's Special Investigations Unit were performing checks in Boulder Creek when they came across 10 hens and two roosters, according to the Watsonville Police Department. Some of the officers had experience with chickens and hopped into action.

"We’re more than happy to take on any assignment, even if it means wrangling a group of loose chickens!" the department said.

It wasn't easy, police said, but officers eventually transported the chickens to a Felton animal rescue center, where their owners will pick them up.

View more photos of the rescue above, as captured by photographer SLV Steve.