An injured falcon gets a ride in the back of a police car. Photo: Supplied / Waikato Police
Police have swooped to the rescue of a falcon that was hit by a car in rural Waikato.
The falcon took a dive into a river on Saturday afternoon after the collision.
Its injuries meant it could no longer fly, but police picked it up out of the river and took it by car to Hamilton Zoo, where it was now being cared for.
Waikato Highway Patrol senior constable Chris Polglase said it was just another day in rural Waikato.
The injured falcon at Hamilton Zoo. Photo: Supplied / Waikato Police
"Policing is about protecting and serving the community, including those overhead."
Polglase said it was hoped the falcon would make a full recovery and take the incident as a learning opportunity.
"If you're tired take a break, preferably away from the road."