BURLINGTON COUNTY, N.J. — November 12, 2026 — Visitors to New Jersey’s Pine Barrens are being warned to keep their distance from an unexpected traveler: a runaway emu named Sweet Pea that has been wandering through Brendan T. Byrne State Forest.
The large, flightless Australian bird escaped from a private property near the forest and has managed to avoid capture despite being spotted by a cyclist and state park police officers.
The unusual search began Monday, November 9, when Todd Topham encountered the emu while riding his bicycle along a forest trail at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Topham recorded video of the bird walking through the woods and later shared images on social media. The footage attracted attention from residents, including the bird’s owner, who identified the missing emu as Sweet Pea.
According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, State Park Police responded to the area and located the animal. However, the emu ran away before officers could capture it.
Sweet Pea’s Unexpected Forest Adventure
Sweet Pea reportedly escaped from a property on Pasadena Road near Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, a sprawling protected woodland in Burlington County.
The forest covers more than 38,000 acres and contains miles of trails, sandy roads, wetlands and dense pine forests, making the search particularly challenging.
Although the Pine Barrens are home to deer, foxes, wild turkeys and other native wildlife, an emu is certainly not among the animals hikers would normally expect to encounter.
Emus are native to Australia and are the world’s second-largest living birds after ostriches. Adults can stand more than five feet tall, weigh over 100 pounds and run at speeds approaching 30 miles per hour.
Despite their inability to fly, their powerful legs allow them to cover considerable distances and move quickly when frightened.
Police Warn the Public Not to Chase the Bird
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection said State Park Police are monitoring the situation and have urged hikers, cyclists and nearby residents not to approach or chase Sweet Pea.
Although emus may appear curious or harmless, they have strong legs and sharp claws and can injure people if frightened or cornered.
Officials want anyone who encounters the bird to maintain a safe distance and report the sighting rather than attempt to capture it.
Sightings can be reported to New Jersey State Park Police dispatch at 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337).
Not New Jersey’s First Runaway Emu
Surprisingly, Sweet Pea is not the first emu to make headlines in New Jersey this year.
In June, another emu wandered through parts of Sussex and Morris counties, prompting a search by animal control officers and residents.
That bird was eventually captured in Byram Township after nearly two weeks on the loose and was taken to Space Farms for care.
For now, Sweet Pea’s own adventure remains unresolved. As of the latest reports Thursday, State Park Police had not announced that the bird had been captured.
Residents and visitors are being asked to leave the search to people experienced in handling large animals.
Sources: UPI, November 12, 2026; FOX 29 Philadelphia, November 12, 2026; NJ.com, November 11, 2026; New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
By NJ RADAR Team