Residents pulled a young emu from a canal near Lindsay Road and Stonebridge Drive in Gilbert after spotting the drenched bird in the water Sunday morning.
Gilbert police received calls just before 8:45 a.m. about a large bird stranded west of Lindsay Road, between Elliot and Guadalupe roads. Neighbors walking along the canal trail removed the emu before officers arrived.
Police found the residents caring for the flightless bird near North Lindsay Road and East Stonebridge Drive. The emu was taken from the canal without apparent injuries and transported to Crystal's Critter Haven, an East Valley animal rescue organization, where it is recovering.
Police thanked the residents for their quick response. It is not yet clear how the bird entered the canal or who owns it.
