They said the bird is a rhea, which are related to ostriches and emus. It ran off from its farm when it was disturbed by a fox, officials from the Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary told The Daily Telegraph Saturday.

They described the big bird as inquisitive, friendly and graceful. But police were advising anyone who spotted it to contact them, rather than approach it because it may become alarmed and run off, the British newspaper said.