Rogue Emu Causes School Lockdowns During 2 Months On The Run

This emu, a flightless bird native to Australia, is discovered running loose in a Clay Township farm field in Morgan County near Martinsville, Ind., Tuesday, March 15, 2005. Volunteers helped nab the ostrich-like bir... This emu, a flightless bird native to Australia, is discovered running loose in a Clay Township farm field in Morgan County near Martinsville, Ind., Tuesday, March 15, 2005. Volunteers helped nab the ostrich-like bird that might have been on the run for several months. (AP Photo/The Reporter-Times, A.J. Nelson) MORE LESS
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ODESSA, Del. (AP) — An emu on the run for more than 60 days has prompted lockdowns at two elementary schools in Delaware.

The runaway emu was spotted Monday near Spring Meadow Elementary School and Old State Elementary School, leading to a “soft lockdown” at both schools. Officials sent a letter alerting parents and saying students remained inside while normal activity continued.

Delaware Department of Agriculture spokesman Daniel Shortridge says no one is sure who owns the bird. Over the last week, authorities have received a growing number of calls from people who have spotted the bird or come close to hitting it.

The agency has asked police to shoot the emu if public safety is at risk. Shortridge says killing the bird isn’t the preferred solution.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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