From the NewsForce247 Archive — originally published March 23, 2026. Stories move to the archive automatically after four weeks; they remain searchable and shareable.
Madison County, Ohio — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office was urging residents to use caution after a large ostrich was reported loose in rural areas near Lafayette Plain City Road and Taylor Blair Road on Monday afternoon.
Deputies say the bird was spotted in the vicinity of Lafayette Plain City Road Northeast and Taylor Blair Road Northeast around 12:50 p.m. Monday afternoon. The sheriff’s office issued a public alert via social media at that time, warning motorists and residents to be on the lookout and avoid approaching the animal.
Ostriches can be unpredictable and may charge or kick if startled, so authorities were advising the public not to try to capture or corner the bird.
Officials announced the animal was locally owned and were able to reunite it with its owner while ensuring public safety. No injuries or property damage have been reported as a result of the incident.