Police in the United States spent 45 minutes trying to catch an escaped emu that fled from its owner in Guernsey County, Ohio. Body camera footage shows officers using dog catcher poles to corral the large Australian bird on October 17.
One deputy warned, "These animals can be aggressive," while another joked, "I guess I'll fight him with a stick."
The Guernsey County Sheriff's Office later praised the deputies for their professionalism and skill in handling the unusual situation. Their statement said,
"In all seriousness, the deputies handled the situation with skill and professionalism, proving they can tackle just about anything—whether it's a serious incident or a wayward emu."
"Just another day in law enforcement, where surprises are always on the horizon, and sometimes they have feathers! No birds, bystanders, or deputies were harmed."
Eleven days after the Ohio event, a similar case arose nearly 3,000 kilometers away in Arizona. The Cottonwood Police Department responded to multiple 9-1-1 calls about an emu named 'Frank' running through traffic on October 28. It took two officers to safely bring Frank under control on the highway.
U.S. police officers adeptly managed unusual emu chases in Ohio and Arizona, showcasing their ability to handle unexpected situations with professionalism and good humor.