NORTH CAROLINA -- AuthoritIes are hot on the trail of a loose emu wandering around in Orange and Chatham counties.

  • The emu was spotted July 6 in the Chatham County woods.
  • Authorities haven't been able to capture the bird or find the owner.
  • They urge people to stay away from the animal with caution.

A homeowner recently gave Spectrum News cellphone video after spotting the bird back on July 6 in the Chatham County woods. Animal Services believes it's hanging around the county border, flocking southward.

 

 

"And it was coming from the right hand side of the road. Ran toward an automobile. Stumbled. Fell down. Got itself back up and ran back into the woods," said Orange County resident John Brennan who also spotted the animal a few weeks ago.

"We have gotten quite a few calls. They have dwindled as of late Wednesday of last week," said Tenille Fox with Orange County Animal Services.

Authorities haven't been able to capture the bird or find the owner. They urge people to stay away from the animal with caution.

"If this animal is stressed out, he could potentially be dangerous. And so we just want to make sure everyone is safe," said Fox.

If you spot the emu, please contact Orange County Animal Services or Chatham County Animal Services.