Regular EMUTalk.org reader/commentator Publius Crabgrass alerted me to this story about an emu (as in the big bird) out of control and brought down by a taser. As seen here on this link of quirky news stories:
PANAMA CITY, Fla., Aug. 21 (UPI) — Florida sheriff’s deputies say they had no choice but to Taser an escaped emu that was chasing cars.
The pet bird, named Plop-plop, had jumped a low fence days before she was finally cornered by Bay County Sheriff’s Deputies Randolph Grob and Derrick Groves. But she wasn’t ready to give up easily, the Panama City News Herald reported Thursday.
Whenever they moved within eight or nine feet, the emu would either charge them or ram itself into a fence, they said. They became concerned for the well-being of both Plop-plop and themselves due to the large bird’s sharp talons.
“I think we had exhausted the fact that we weren’t going to be able to just corral it up on our own without harming it,” Grob said. “I guess the point was made, ‘Well, what do we have other than shooting it with an actual gun to get rid of it?’”
Two jolts of a Taser were required to bring Plop-plop under control to a point where she could be taken to the local dog kennel. Her owners were then located, ending what Grob called one of the “stranger calls” he ever has taken.
First off, this is once again evidence to the fact that emus are tough and stubborn birds, more than a fitting mascot.
Second, I would post an emu story every day to EMUTalk.org if I could. Keep those big bird tips and links coming!
Thanks for posting the story, Steve. But do we really want a mascot named “Plop-plop”?
The original article, complete with photo of Plop-plop, is here: http://www.theledger.com/article/20080821/NEWS/9790/0/SPORTS0199&title=WEIRD_NEWS__Fla__Deputies_Taser_Unruly_Emu_
First off, thanks for that link PC– the picture and the more “in-depth” interview are a nice touch.
Second, I once again want to point out the emu’s bad-ass reputation, which I believe is the kind of thing that makes for an excellent mascot: