Tasered Emu Dies on Turnpike

State police say they had to use a Taser on an emu because the flightless bird presented a danger on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. They say the bird created a backup and nearly caused vehicles to crash into each other as it ran along the eastbound lanes near the New Stanton exit, about 30 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. Police tried for two hours to capture the 4-foot-tall bird — even attempting to lasso it — but weren't successful. They opted for a Taser rather than using a gun, but the emu fell to the ground after it was shocked and died. Police say the emu didn't belong to any nearby farmers. Police say it may have escaped from a truck.