A small town in Tennessee was stunned after witnessing an emu leading its owner and police on a 20-mile chase after it escaped from its enclosure.
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The wild emu chase occurred on Wednesday in Harriman after the emu escaped from its owner, and people caught the moment on their cell phones. According to ABC News, people were calling the police to alert them that the bird was in their yards, but police said the bird was nowhere to be seen once they arrived at the scene.
“People were calling in that it was in their yard, and the first part of the morning, officers would go check and wouldn’t see him. And then somebody else would call and say, ‘Hey, the Emu is in my yard now’ or ‘It’s going over here over there.’” said Harriman police chief Baron Tapp.
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The emu named MeeMoo was first introduced to the small town when software programmer Harry McKinney helped hatch the bird in an incubator five years ago. He raised MeeMooo on his 40-acre farm with sheep, ducks, turkeys, and other animals.
Everything is awful but yesterday a pet Emu got loose in Harriman, TN and it led to a 20 mile police pursuit. This is Mee Moo the Emu after he was safely reunited with his owner. Look at that smile 😠pic.twitter.com/C9qe35ERf0
— Upcycled White Trash (@UpcycledTrash) April 14, 2023
McKinney said he used Facebook to track the beloved bird after MeeMoo jumped over the 7-foot fence enclosure.
“The only thing we could do was put it on Facebook and just wait until somebody saw, and that did not disappoint,”
The chase ended several hours later when Steven McDaniel witnessed officers slowly approaching the bird and cornering him near a home surrounded by hedges. McKinney was able to call MeeMoo back to safety.
“I whistled, and he realized that dad was there. And I went up, and I gave him a big hug.”
Emus are fast runners and can reach up to 30 miles per hour (48 kilometers per hour) when sprinting. They are one of the fastest birds known for their agility and endurance. Emus can also maintain a swift pace over long distances, making them excellent runners. However, it’s important to note that their speed can vary depending on age, size, and physical condition.
Emus are not considered dangerous animals but can become aggressive if threatened or cornered. They are large, flightless birds and can use their strong legs and sharp claws to defend themselves if they feel threatened. Additionally, emus have been known to charge or kick if they perceive a threat or feel territorial.
It’s important to approach emus cautiously and give them plenty of space, especially if they have young chicks. If you encounter an emu and feel uneasy, it’s best to keep a safe distance and avoid provoking or startling the bird. As with wild animals, respecting their space and behavior is important to avoid potential risks.