Loose emu was caught walking down Colfax in Denver

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 on Colfax in Denver, right?

On Monday, law enforcement in Lakewood reported a “pretty emu-sing day” after finding an emu playing in the street at Colfax Avenue and Quail Street.

The Lakewood Police Department’s animal control, patrol officers and Regional Transportation District police all came together to get the large bird back home.

“No word on if Doug was waiting for him or not,” the agency quipped on social media.

Emus are legal to own as pets in Colorado, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.