Photo: Pattana Kesarat / EyeEm / EyeEm / Getty Images
St. Johns County, FL - A routine call in northeast Florida turned into an unusual animal rescue after a large emu was reported wandering along a rural road, creating a potential traffic hazard.
The incident happened in St. Johns County, about 20 miles west of St. Augustine, when the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office received reports of the bird running loose near County Road 13.
According to the sheriff’s office, the emu had allegedly escaped from its owner’s property and was moving quickly along the roadway, prompting concern that it could cause an accident or injure someone.
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Emus are large, powerful birds that can grow several feet tall and run at high speeds, making them difficult to capture without special equipment.
Body camera video released by the sheriff’s office shows a deputy attempting to guide the bird off the road before it took off running.
The emu allegedly ignored verbal commands and at one point kicked toward the deputy while trying to flee.
After a brief chase, the deputy used a rope as a makeshift lasso to restrain the animal.
Once the emu was slowed and brought under control, the deputy secured its legs using handcuffs to prevent it from kicking or running away again.
The bird was not injured during the capture.
The sheriff’s office said the emu was safely returned to its owner shortly afterward.
No arrests or citations were issued in connection with the incident, and authorities confirmed the situation was resolved without harm to the animal, the deputy, or the public.