OWINGS, Md. — Residents in northern Calvert County are being asked to keep watch for two missing emus that have been spotted between Owings, Chesapeake Beach and the Mount Harmony area.
The birds, named Bonnie and Blondie, reportedly escaped after becoming frightened while work was being performed at their farm. According to a woman helping the owners, the emus jumped three fences and ran from the property.
The owners do not use Facebook, and community members have been sharing updates and reported sightings on their behalf.
Bonnie was spotted Friday morning, July 24, 2026, in the Richfield Station neighborhood near Eagle View Drive and Sansbury Drive.
A resident jokingly asked whether someone was “missing a dinosaur” after a large emu was seen near the intersection around 11 a.m.
In a Friday update, Tammy Lynn Abner reported that Animal Control planned to attempt to contain Bonnie with fencing. Residents were asked to give responding personnel space and avoid frightening the bird.
Another large emu was recently captured on a home surveillance camera within approximately a quarter-mile of Horace Ward Road and Pushaw Station Road in Owings.
Animal Control searched the surrounding property but did not locate the bird, according to the resident who reported the sighting.
Bonnie had also been observed Thursday near a wetland area in the Richfield community. Residents were reportedly able to approach and pet her, but she ran toward a swampy area when additional people moved closer.
The second emu, Blondie, was believed to be nearby in thick vegetation, although no one reported a confirmed visual sighting of her at that location.
The birds are described as more than 6 feet tall and generally not aggressive. However, residents are being warned not to approach or attempt to capture them because frightened or injured animals may behave unpredictably.
Community members are also concerned that the emus could enter a roadway or be further displaced by people attempting to follow or surround them.
Anyone who sees either bird is asked to keep a safe distance, avoid chasing or cornering it and contact Calvert County Animal Control. Residents may also message Tammy Lynn Abner, who is communicating with the owners.
The search remained active as of Friday afternoon.
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