Powhatan Deputies Wrangle Escaped Emu Back Home

Cpl. Bagget's quick thinking and knowledge of large birds helped return the wandering emu to its owner.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:53pm

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The Powhatan County Sheriff's Office had an unusual situation on their hands when an emu named Possum escaped from its owner's trailer on Wednesday morning. Deputies used crime scene tape to create a makeshift fence and guide the large bird back to its home with the help of the concerned owner.

Why it matters

Escaped livestock and exotic animals can pose a public safety risk, so the quick response and creative problem-solving by the Powhatan deputies helped resolve the situation without incident. The story also highlights the specialized training and experience some animal control officers have in dealing with unusual animal calls.

The details

According to the Powhatan Sheriff's Office, a neighbor spotted the escaped emu and alerted authorities. Cpl. Bagget, who has expertise in handling large birds, devised a plan to use crime scene tape as a movable fence to guide Possum the emu back to the owner's trailer. The owner was able to respond quickly with a trailer to transport the emu back home.

  • On Wednesday, April 1, the Powhatan Sheriff's Office received the call about the escaped emu.

The players

Cpl. Bagget

A Powhatan County Sheriff's deputy with specialized knowledge in handling large birds that was crucial in returning the escaped emu to its owner.

Possum

The emu that escaped from its owner's trailer in Powhatan, Virginia on the morning of April 1.

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The takeaway

This incident demonstrates the diverse range of situations that local law enforcement and animal control officers must be prepared to handle, from domestic pets to exotic livestock. The Powhatan deputies' quick thinking and resourcefulness in using crime scene tape to guide the emu back home prevented a potentially dangerous situation.