UFO Sighting Frightens Children in Arizona

• When: February 25th, 2017
• Where: Phoenix, Arizona
• What: "Ball of energy" appearing near helicopter

According to a recent MUFON report (case 82432), a group of kids were gazing up at a helicopter and snapping photos of it when they saw a UFO that "scared them" and caused them to run to their parent. Luckily, the young witnesses snapped a photo of the strange "ball of energy":

https://www.mufoncms.com/files_jeud8334j/82432_submitter_file1__unknownPHX22517.png

We noticed that a helicopter was circling the area in at a rather high speed. My children went out to look and started snapping photos of the helicopter when they noticed what can only be described a large ball of energy. For some reason they snapped a photo but this object scared them and they ran in to get me. I was outside within 15 seconds and the object was no longer where they had pointed. Upon asking questions I was shown this attached photo.

Can anyone explain what this is and has it been seen before? Shortly after this photo was taken the helicopter left there area as well.

Could the children have witnessed a drone, ball lightning, or perhaps something more mysterious, like an alien craft? Share your thoughts in the comments or on Facebook or Twitter!