Searchers are continuing to look for an escaped emu in central Illinois.

The bird, named Sassy, escaped her pen during a fight between another female emu and a dog at the Central Illinois Small Animal Rescue in Colfax. She was last seen on Illinois 9 headed toward Bloomington.

Shelter staffers ask the public to contact them if they see the bird. Emus don't fly, but can run fast for short distances. They are 5 to 6 feet tall and can live up to 35 years.

Emus sometimes hiss when feeling defensive.

Garrie Burr works with the animal rescue group. Burr says the missing emu is used to people, curious and friendly. But Burr says the bird is likely very frightened right now.