Police in Three Rivers have warned the public about several rhea birds recently seen running wild in the Maple Cross area.
The birds, which are similar to an ostrich but smaller in size, have been sighted on housing estates and alongside the M25, and their presence has caused a lot of chatter on local social media sites.
Officers have carried out some enquiries in an attempt to identify the owner of the birds but have concluded that they are wild.
PC Christian Gottmann, from the Rickmansworth and District Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “These birds are certainly an unusual sight on the streets of Three Rivers, and we want to reassure the public that we are working in partnership Three Rivers District Council, Highways and our Rural Operational Support Team to come up with a plan to capture and rehome the birds to a suitable animal reserve.
“Enquiries are ongoing but if you think you may be able to help with this, please get in touch with us. In the meantime, we would advise the public not to approach these animals as they are very fast, much like their larger counterparts, and can be aggressive if cornered.
“Unfortunately we have received reports of them attacking dogs and deer, so we ask that dog owners are vigilant when out walking.”
If you have any ideas about rehoming the birds, you can email PC Gottmann at christian.gottmann@herts.pnn.police.uk
Picture credit Herts Police
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