Escaped Emu Captured After Eastern Shore Mayhem

SALISBURY, MARYLAND — An escaped emu was safely returned to its owners over the weekend after sending state troopers on a unique chase.

Troopers from the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack were called to the Salisbury Bypass, near the Ocean City exit, just before 11 a.m. on Saturday.

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Dispatchers had received word about an emu that was holding up traffic on the roadway.

Footage from the scene showed the bird running as many onlookers watched from their cars, seemingly shocked at the turn of events.

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Although authorities said the flightless bird was hit by a car, officials noted it was not injured in the incident. It wasn't until about 2 p.m. that the bird was eventually roped in with a dog leash by officials near Pheasant Drive.

The emu was reunited with its owners about an hour later, according to officials.

It remains unclear how the bird managed to escape.