Big Bird Shuts Down Northern Indiana Highway

According to Yahoo News, a large flightless bird on the loose near Peru Indiana “forced the closing of a northern Indiana highway.” On Monday October 27th the large bird, known as a rhea, ran onto U.S. 24 about 80 miles north of Indianapolis, and caused trouble for travelers. National Geographic says the Rhea is the […]

October 30, 2014

Rhea Bird — Photo Courtesy of National Geographic

According to Yahoo News, a large flightless bird on the loose near Peru Indiana “forced the closing of a northern Indiana highway.” On Monday October 27^th the large bird, known as a rhea, ran onto U.S. 24 about 80 miles north of Indianapolis, and caused trouble for travelers. National Geographic says the Rhea is the largest bird in South America, and is related to ostriches and emus. Apparently the bird escaped from a farm over the weekend after it jumped a fence and disappeared into a cornfield.

Owner Subdues “Jet” Like Bird

Authorities arrived to try and capture the bird, but State Police Officer Bob Burgess told the Kokomo Tribune “This thing would just all of a sudden take off like a jet.” He also said, “Everybody was a little bit skeptical about grabbing ahold of it because it could kick you and it had some pretty vicious talons.” An animal control officer arrived and shot the bird with a tranquilizer dart, but it didn’t appear to have much of an effect. Luckily the bird’s original owner showed up and according to Yahoo news “arrived at the scene and was able to tackle it.” He then loaded it into his truck and returned it to its new owner.

The highway was reopened shortly after the bird was taken away, but it doesn’t sound like 1^st Sgt. Burgess will forget the incident anytime soon. “It was kind of a circus there for a little bit. This thing could run like nobody’s business.” Apparently the bird’s original owner is slightly faster than nobody’s business.

Distractions Are No Laughing Matter

Don’t let the humor of this story fool you. Things happen on our roadways every day that can result in catastrophe if drivers aren’t paying attention. Don’t let distractions get the best of you. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident as a result of someone else’s negligence call our northern Indiana office at 219-525-3906. The attorneys at Hensley Legal Group have the experience you deserve, and will help you understand your options following an accident. You can also reach us online by filling out the ‘Get Help Now’ box. Someone from our office will contact you immediately to discuss your situation.