I called Animal Control last week, actually, after calling the Humane Society first who recommeded I call them after they chatted with me long enough to confirm what I was describing. See, there was this large African Grey Parrot sitting in a tree outside our appartment building, and among everyone gathered around to see it was a kid throwing his shoe at it to see if it would fall (it didn't, neither did it fly away). Haven't had a chance to post about it, but yeah.

Um, my point is, they were very friendly and glad I called even though they couldn't help -- it was after 6 pm and it wasn't a someone-in-danger type emergency so they couldn't page their off-duty field workers about it. They had lots of information about how I might get it down if I could ask around and get a cage and fruit from a neighbour, since the thing probably just wanted a safe-looking place to hide (ie, birdcage). Before I had a chance to start asking around, though, the parrot and crowd disappeared while I wasn't looking.

So my point is, no need to be afraid to call Animal Control. They're going to be on your side since you're concerned about how best to protect the animal and keep yourself safe -- that's what they're there to help with.

Though I also agree with previous commenter that if you just tip the bucket and run, he'll probably just run in the other direction anyway.