VIDEO: Driver nearly causes crash trying to save animal on I-394 in Wayzata, Minn.

WAYZATA, Minn. (FOX 9) - A driver nearly caused a crash last week on I-394 while trying to save an animal on the side of the road.

The video, shared by Minnesota State Patrol, serves as an example of why you shouldn't put yourself in harm's way to rescue animals.

In the video, recorded around 9:30 a.m. on August 2, the driver pulls over and crosses three lanes of I-394 eastbound near the 494 interchange to get to what appears to be a bird on the side of the road.

The driver tries to flag down drivers to get them to slow down and stop. But, in doing so, the person almost causes a crash, forcing one driver to swerve out of their lane, ironically nearly hitting the animal.

In the end, the man does safely cross the roadway. However, after a discussion with another driver, he ends up walking back across the roadway and getting back into his vehicle parked on an exit ramp -- without the animal.

In a Facebook post, Minnesota State Patrol says, "Animals are cute and we understand the desire to want to help them off the highway or interstate. But this video is a perfect example of why doing that is a bad idea."

Troopers want to remind drivers that it's illegal to stop your vehicle on the highway or interstate for a non-emergency. They also point out it's incredibly dangerous to walk across the roadway.

If you see an animal on the side of a highway, authorities say the best course of action is to call 911.