An ostrich that turned a quiet stretch of Madison County roadway into an unexpected spectacle on Monday is back home with its owner, county officials said. The large, flightless bird was spotted near Lafayette Plain City Road NE and Taylor Blair Road NE, north of London, long enough for deputies to get involved and for the Madison County Sheriff's Office to issue a traffic warning to drivers in the area. By later that day, the office updated its advisory to report that the owner had been found and the situation resolved.
According to CW Columbus, the sheriff's office initially alerted the public that an ostrich was loose in the area of Lafayette Plain City Road NE and Taylor Blair Road NE and urged motorists to use caution while traveling. The post included a contact number for tips or ownership claims: 740-852-1212.
The story wrapped up with a short follow-up: "Update: The ostrich's owner was located," the sheriff's Facebook post said, as reported by CW Columbus. The office did not name the owner or detail how deputies actually got the bird under control, leaving that part of the adventure to the imagination.
Where it happened
The sighting unfolded at the junction of Lafayette Plain City Road NE and Taylor Blair Road NE in northeastern Madison County, a largely agricultural area between London and Plain City. Narrow, two-lane roads and farm drives in that part of the county can make any large animal encounter a bit of a challenge, which is why deputies asked drivers to slow down and give the bird plenty of room.
What to know
Loose livestock and exotic birds are more than quirky roadside attractions. They can create real traffic hazards and add stress for both animals and people. Local law enforcement often turns to social media to track down owners and gather tips, just as the Madison County Sheriff's Office did here. If you spot loose livestock in Madison County, officials say you should contact the sheriff's office as directed in county advisories.
