North Jersey Residents Seek a Name for a Runaway Emu

In June 2026 an emu was reported roaming several North Jersey municipalities, most recently in the Cranberry Lake area of Byram at approximately 8 a.m. on Tuesday. Hopatcong Animal Control Officer Gianna DiMatteo first received a call about the bird on Saturday morning and has since been fielding additional reports from residents. The animal’s origin and ownership remain unknown, prompting officials to ask the public to report any sightings promptly.

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• Saturday, early June 2026 – First notification to animal control.

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• Following days – Multiple residents in towns such as Mount Olive and surrounding areas report visual confirmation of the emu.

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• Tuesday, 8 a.m. – The bird is observed near Cranberry Lake in Byram, the latest confirmed location.

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North Jersey communities have previously encountered atypical wildlife, including a bear dubbed “Pedals,” a bull named “Ricardo,” and an iguana referred to as “Iggy.” These prior incidents illustrate a regional pattern of stray or escaped animals generating public interest and media coverage.

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• Gianna DiMatteo – Hopatcong Animal Control Officer coordinating the response.

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• Local police departments – Designated points of contact for residents who spot the emu.

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• Volunteer groups – Unnamed individuals prepared to assist in capture and temporary housing of the bird.

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DiMatteo confirmed that no individual has reported a missing emu and that animal control has no leads on its provenance. She emphasized that residents should call authorities if they encounter the bird and noted that multiple volunteers are ready to intervene and provide temporary shelter. The agency continues to monitor reports while seeking a safe resolution.

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The ongoing sightings have spurred a community naming poll, inviting residents to propose a moniker for the emu. The poll reflects local engagement and aims to personalize the animal while reinforcing public vigilance. Participants are reminded to contact their police department immediately upon sighting the bird.

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• Origin – No source has identified how the emu arrived in North Jersey.

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• Ownership – No claim of a missing emu has been filed.

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• Current location – After the Tuesday sighting, the bird’s whereabouts remain unverified.

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• “No one's called to say it was theirs and missing that I'm aware of,” — Gianna DiMatteo, Hopatcong Animal Control Officer

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• “People are encouraged to call us if they see it.” — Gianna DiMatteo, Hopatcong Animal Control Officer

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• “People are encouraged to call us if they see it. I do have multiple people willing to go out, catch it and house it for us.” — Gianna DiMatteo, Hopatcong Animal Control Officer

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• “If you see the emu, DiMatteo asks that you immediately contact your local police department.” — Gianna DiMatteo, Hopatcong Animal Control Officer

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Animal control will maintain surveillance of reported sightings while the naming poll remains open to the public. Residents are urged to report any new observations to local police, enabling authorities to locate and safely secure the emu.

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