Im-peck-able speed: Emu on the loose in Virginia

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (WSET) – An emu is on the loose in one Virginia county.

The liberated emu – or perhaps "LiMu" – has been roaming around Franklin County for at least two weeks.

Cindy Lamb, manager of the Franklin County Animal Shelter, says they don't know who the LiMu belongs to, so it's unclear how long it has been roaming around; sightings have been reported over the last two weeks. Lamb is hoping they'll at least get new, clearer photos of the bird on Wednesday.

Franklin County Animal Control will be out in the area Wednesday hoping to put eyes on the omnivore. LiMu should be hungry, Lamb says.

There are plans in place to catch the large bird. Animal Control officers, along with a large animal veterinarian and Virginia Conservation Police, will set out food and use corral panels (temporary fencing) to hopefully lure the emu to a trailer. If all else fails, the veterinarian will have to tranquilize the animal.

Lamb says there is a plan in place to house LiMu once she or he is caught.

Emus are the second-largest birds on earth. They live between 10 and 20 years in the wild, stand between 5 or 6 feet and can weigh up to 60 pounds.

While they're classified as birds, emus don't fly, but they use their long, powerful legs and can hit running speeds up to 30 mph.