Missing pet: Vance the Emu is on the loose after he escaped from a West Milford home
Vance the Emu escaped from his West Milford home on Monday, and as of Thursday, he was still on the loose as his human family continues to look for him.
On Wednesday the Cordasco family posted about the "Missing Emu" on the "Lost West Milford Pets" Facebook page, but other than some reported sightings around town, he's still missing.
Vance is 3 years old and lives with three other emus on Sandy Cordasco's farm-assessed property on Morsetown Road.
"I've had him since he was a chick," Cordasco said. "I don't know how he got out. He's in enclosures with 6-foot high fencing."
While she said it is possible something or someone spooked Vance and caused him to flee, she added the enclosure should have kept him from fleeing.
The lost pet post did get some responses from area residents.
"Vance has been spotted in the woods behind the farm!!!!!!," one post read. "Approximately half-mile in, owner and a friend almost had him and he broke free and ran into the woods," the post read.
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Cordasco confirmed that he was almost caught on Wednesday on a neighbor's property, but he fled again.
Since then it seems the trail has gone cold, which seems amazing as emus are flightless birds and can be about 6 feet tall. He may be hiding out in the many wooded areas in the township.
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Anyone who sees Vance is advised not to chase him or try to catch him. Cordasco said emus are strong and powerful and can cause injury. Some farmers use emus to threaten away predators and advise people not to approach them.
According to Chicken Whisperer Magazine, the pet market for emu is among the newest trend and people often obtain chicks and/or hatch the egg to start with them from Day One.
"Compared to ostriches, emus are more docile, but caution must always be taken when dealing with larger birds," the article stated.
Some raise emus for their oil or meat, but Vance however, is the family's pet.
Cordasco said Vance eats dog food, insects, leafy vegetables and fruit.
Anyone who sees Vance is asked to call Sandy oRoberto Cordasco at 973-557-3119.
Matt Fagan is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: fagan@northjersey.com
Twitter: @fagan_nj
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: West Milford NJ: Vance the Emu is missing, escaped from home
