A St. Johns County deputy captured a runaway emu after it escaped in a rural area west of St. Augustine and returned the bird to its owners unharmed, the sheriff’s office said.
The response began after the emu was reported missing last Friday. Authorities said the deputy was sent to the area west of St. Augustine following reports of the bird’s escape.
According to the sheriff’s office, the deputy attempted to secure the emu, but it kicked several times using its large talons and fled. Authorities said a short chase followed before the deputy was able to corner the bird.
After cornering the emu, the deputy secured it with a makeshift lasso, the sheriff’s office said. Authorities added that the deputy handcuffed the emu’s legs together to render the talons useless.
The emu was returned to its owners unharmed, and authorities said no charges were filed.
The report also noted that emus are native to Australia and can grow over 6 feet (1.9 meters) tall. It said emus can sprint up to 30 mph (48 kph).