COLORADO NEWS

It’s not everyday there’s a loose emu in Colorado, but today there was

Mar 5, 2024, 4:50 PM

According to Wikipedia, the emu is a species of flightless bird endemic to Australia, where it is the largest native bird… In other words, unless you’re at a zoo you’re likely not going to see emu in Colorado. So I bet animal control was a little surprised when they got called about a loose one today, right? 

Weld County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Officers responded to a report of an “ostrich in the roadway” earlier today (Mar 5th). 

The “ostrich” turned out to be an emu who was out wandering in the area of Weld County Road 76 and County Road 33. County animal control officers were able to capture and contain the bird, and safely hold the emu in a nearby fenced residential yard, with permission from the owner.

A passerby was able to identify the emu’s owner as Andrew Leffler, who was notified and picked up his emu, who he said was named Buddy.

“We got lucky,” Leffler told WCSO officers after Buddy was safely loaded up in his trailer and the ordeal was over. “We are grateful Buddy is back home with his family, and Mr. Leffler allowed us to share this delightful story with you,” the sheriff’s office wrote in an Instagram post.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Weld County Sheriff’s Office (@weldcountysheriffsoffice)

Colorado News

(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)...

Shawn Patrick

Colorado gets a new Girl Scout Cookie flavor in 2026 – Here’s when they go on-sale

One of life’s great mysteries is why Girl Scout Cookie season is during new years resolution season, and 2026 may be even harder on those trying to avoid sweets because […]

20 minutes ago

Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images...

Shawn Patrick

Colorado Rockies wish their $182 million bust ‘happy birthday’ on social media, fans are not having it

The Colorado Rockies have been terrible for too long now, so I guess it’s fair that the player who makes the most money on the team (by a lot) and […]

22 hours ago

(Photo by Kevin Moloney/Getty Images)...

Shawn Patrick

Jan. 13 is ‘Free Admission Day’ at National Western Stock Show

The National Western Stock Show is the “Best 16 Days in January,” but there is one of those days that might be a little better than the rest, at least […]

23 hours ago

(Photo Illustration by Miguel Villagran/Getty Images)...

Shawn Patrick

Gas could drop below $1.50 per gallon in Denver this week

When’s the last time you can remember getting gas for less than $1.50 per gallon? Well, it could happen soon in Denver! At the time of posting this article on […]

23 hours ago

Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images...

Shawn Patrick

Woman with Colorado ties sets fire to Walmart on New Year’s Eve

Do anything fun or unique on New Year’s Eve? A woman in Illinois is facing charges after she rang in the new year by setting fire to a Walmart. 21-year-old […]

23 hours ago

NWSS 2026...

98.5 KYGO

2026 National Western Stock Show starts Saturday

Celebrating its 120th anniversary, the National Western Stock Show presented by CommonSpirit Health starts this Saturday, January 10, and runs through January 25. Bringing together rodeos, livestock shows, western art, […]

1 day ago

It’s not everyday there’s a loose emu in Colorado, but today there was