Anyone see an Emu on the streets of Becker?

 

As of last Sunday, Dork the Emu — an exotic bird owned by Tom Berry of Becker — escaped its pen and has been on the loose in the woods and backyards of middle and northeast Becker Twp.

 

Berry said the recent wind storms dropped a tree branch onto the fence around the enclosure that allowed Dork to pass through and go for a run.

 

Dozens of people began posting to Facebook earlier in the week with surprised sightings of a giant bird seen trotting along the roadways. Many said they tried to approach or slow down to take a look, but Dork would immediately disappear amongst the trees and shrubs due to its remarkable camouflage appearance.

 

“He’s never ran off before and we’ve had him since he was just a little guy,” Berry said. “We used to breed Emus and sell the babies.”

 

The partner Emu Tom and his wife tended to was named Geek, but she passed away a few years back and Dork was their last of the ratite  species.

 

Berry says though the bird is large (6-foot and 120-lbs.) and can run at speeds of 30 MPH, they are typically not dangerous to people ‚ unless, of course, it gets cornered.

 

“They are usually timid but you don’t want to put them on the defense,” said Tom. 

 

Anyone who locates the animal are asked to call 911 or the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Dept. The county and the DNR have been made aware of Dork’s disappearance and will do everything they possibly can to bring the bird back to its home.

 

Emus are typically bred for their meat and for their oils for cosmetics. Emus are native to Australia and are feathered, brownish colored and flightless. They can travel great distances, forage for a variety of plants and insects, but have been known to go for weeks without eating. They drink infrequently, but take in copious amounts of water when the opportunity arises.

 

The last known sighting of Dork occurred mid-week around 110th St. SE and Co. Rd. 11.