Madison County, Ohio — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office issued a Be On the Lookout alert Monday afternoon after an ostrich escaped and was spotted roaming rural roads in Monroe Township near Plain City. The bird was first reported loose around 12:50 p.m. on March 23 in the area of Lafayette Plain City Road Northeast and Taylor Blair Road Northeast. Officials warned drivers in south central Ohio to use caution while traveling through the area, noting the large bird could create a hazard on the roadways.
The sheriff’s office turned to the public for help, posting the alert on social media and asking anyone who owned the ostrich or knew its owner to call 740-852-1212. Deputies responded quickly to the scene and began efforts to locate both the bird and its owner. Sheriff John Swaney confirmed the department remained in contact with the owner as the situation developed.
Within about two hours the owner was identified, and two deputies assisted in safely corralling the ostrich. The bird was returned home without incident, according to an update from the sheriff’s office. No injuries were reported to people or the animal.
Local residents and drivers in Madison County and nearby areas can rest easy knowing this unusual escape ended peacefully.
