ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. (rbs news now) — Students and staff at Wentworth Elementary School got an unusual start to their morning when an emu made an unexpected appearance on the school’s track.

Around 9:41 a.m. on May 5, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office received a report of the large, flightless bird roaming the school grounds.

Animal control officers responded and safely captured the emu without incident, according to the sheriff’s office.

The bird, which had escaped from a nearby property, was returned to its owner shortly afterward.

Following the encounter, Sheriff Sam Page and Animal Control Officer Sheena Gladmon took the opportunity to engage with students, sharing fun facts about emus.

They explained how emus differ from ostriches, noting that emus have three toes and originate from Australia, while ostriches have two toes and are native to Africa.

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