If you were to encounter an emu strutting down your street in Britain, you might be tempted to stop and take a photo or even try to help.
But in the small town of Spilsby, Lincolnshire, one runaway emu has turned into an ongoing challenge for rescuers and police.
The emu, a large flightless bird native to Australia, has been on the run for weeks.
Efforts to catch it have been hampered by well-meaning locals. Police in nearby Boston took to Facebook to urge people to avoid interfering.
Animal rescuers from the National Exotics Animal Rescue Service were called in to assist.
Their strategy involved gaining the emu’s trust by consistently feeding it at the same spot. This method was showing promise, but the plan was disrupted.
Rescuers reported that some individuals chased the bird with an off-road vehicle.
This frightened the emu and undid weeks of patient work. The rescuers warned that the bird’s panic could lead it to run into traffic, posing a danger to itself and others.
The emu’s escape has sparked both amusement and concern in the area.
Police and animal experts are now asking residents to stay away from the bird. Instead, they encourage people to report sightings or share photos and videos of the emu’s location.
Emus are not aggressive by nature but can become defensive if cornered. They can also run at speeds of up to 30 mph, making them difficult to catch.
Rescuers emphasise the importance of a calm and coordinated effort to ensure the emu’s safety.
