Traffic brought to a halt by loose ostrich in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
South Dakota drivers encountered an unexpected obstacle on Tuesday when an ostrich made its way onto a busy four-lane road in Sioux Falls, bringing traffic to a standstill. Despite the potential danger of the situation, bystanders and officials worked together to safely corral the bird and return it to its owner.
### Chaos on a Multilane Road
The incident began when drivers called Sioux Falls police after spotting the roughly 7-foot-tall ostrich wandering in the middle of the road. Concerned for the bird’s safety and the potential dangers it posed to motorists, police and animal officials quickly responded to the scene to address the situation.
### Coaxing the Ostrich Off the Road
As the ostrich drew attention from passing drivers, some motorists took it upon themselves to assist in redirecting the bird away from traffic. Video footage captured by bystanders showed people using food in a plastic container and gentle nudges to guide the ostrich off the road and towards safety.
### Reuniting the Ostrich with its Owner
It was later revealed that the ostrich had escaped from a trailer belonging to an out-of-state traveler who was transporting several of the large birds. With the help of the owner, authorities were able to safely capture the ostrich and return it to the trailer without any injuries sustained by the bird.
### The Aftermath and Conclusion
Ultimately, the ostrich was unharmed and back with its owner before any further action needed to be taken. Thomas Rhoades, a Sioux Falls Animal Control officer, confirmed that the bird appeared to be in good condition and was successfully retrieved without incident. The incident served as a reminder of the unexpected challenges that can arise on the road and the importance of quick thinking and cooperation in handling unusual situations.