Calvert Co. Officials: Emu Is On The Loose

HUNTINGTOWN, Md. (AP) -- Authorities say an emu is on the loose in southern Maryland.

The Calvert County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Unit says the bird has been spotted in the Huntingtown area. Authorities have been fielding calls about the bird since November, when it was spotted in Dunkirk.

Officials say the owner of the emu has not been identified.

Emus can stand up more than six feet tall and run at up 30 miles per hour. Authorities say residents should not approach the bird because it uses its legs to defend itself and it has knife-like toenails.

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