Strange Animal Encounter: Stray Emu Found in Colorado

Colorado is home to a variety of wildlife. However, one species that you don't typically find wandering around the Centennial State was spotted recently, raising more questions than answers.

Where in Colorado Was the Emu Spotted?

The emu was spotted walking around Lake Pueblo State Park, commonly known as Pueblo and Pueblo West residents, as the Pueblo Reservoir.

Emu Found in Colorado: What Exactly is an Emu?

The animal was a large, flightless bird known as an emu. The emu is the third-tallest living bird in the world and is sometimes mistaken for its larger cousin, the ostrich.

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However, there's a reason that emus aren't often spotted in Colorado.

Could the Emu Have Been a Wild Animal in Colorado?

The emu is native only to Australia. Despite the fact that Colorado is home to many different species of birds, the emu isn't one of them, and couldn't have been a wild animal.

Can You Own an Emu in Colorado?

There are a number of large animals that you can legally own in Colorado, including bison, certain types of buffalo, and, yes, emu, which leads one to come to the conclusion that the emu likely escaped or was set free.

Where in Colorado is the Emu Now?

Luckily, the emu was safely captured by local law enforcement and is currently being held by animal control.

Read More: Large Pets You Can Legally Own In Colorado

Check out the full story, including photos of the emu that was captured at Lake Pueblo, here.