Cape Cod, September 15, 2025
News Summary
Walter, an emu from Olde Homestead Farm in Marstons Mills, made headlines after escaping and wandering through Cape Cod. His comical journey included stops at a local golf course and a neighborhood yard, leading to a community effort to safely capture him. The incident highlights the unpredictability of wildlife in suburban areas and the importance of preparedness when caring for exotic animals.
Marstons Mills
A wild, feathered escape turned into a Cape Cod fairway tale
If you follow local golf chatter, you know the course gossip usually stays on the greens. But last Sunday the story skipped the clubhouse and sprinted across the fairway: an emu named Walter broke loose and went on a mini tour across Cape Cod that would make any caddie laugh out loud.
Walter slipped out of Olde Homestead Farm in Marstons Mills after apparently being spooked and managing to clear two five-foot fences. Picture a long, lanky runner out of the rough and suddenly on the tee box — only the runner is a flightless bird and the tee box is town roads, yards, and, naturally, a local golf course.
The owners were out of town at a rodeo when the getaway happened, and their family back home started getting multiple alerts and calls about their missing player. News spread quickly among neighbors in a way golfers know well: by word of mouth and a steady stream of photos and videos hitting people’s phones.
From the rough to the clubhouse lawn
Walter wandered across town lines and made a scenic stop at Holly Ridge Golf Course, where he strolled close enough to the action to make any onlooker do a double take. Golfers used to keeping an eye on the pin had to keep a second eye on an emu avoiding sand traps and tall fescue. He later wandered into a residential yard in Sandwich, which is where the true chase began.
One homeowner initially didn’t believe the message that an emu was in the yard until pictures arrived. Police were notified, and neighbors became the kind of impromptu marshals you’d see when a tournament round gets interrupted by a stray ball — except here it was feathers in the air.
Bringing Walter home — a bit like closing out a tough match
It took some chasing, a few strategic moves, and a team effort to net Walter. Nick, a family member, finally brought him back after some help from neighbors. The scene had all the comic energy of a mixed foursome chasing a blown tee shot: people moving fast, a bit of chaos, and feathers flying when Walter made his stand. After capture, Walter was leashed, checked over, and kissed by a relieved owner before being loaded into a trailer for the ride home.
Despite the dramatic itinerary, Walter looked tired and wore only minor battle scars from bramble and brush, nothing like the carnage a coyote or a careless driver could have caused. That was the biggest fear — an emu on the loose can move quickly (up to 30 miles per hour) and is bulky enough to startle traffic and pets alike.
What golfers — and neighbors — can learn from Walter’s escape
For anyone who spends time on local courses or walks near farmland, the episode is a reminder that wildlife and even domestic exotic animals sometimes stray into play areas. Think of it like a moving obstruction on the fairway: slow down, assess the lie, and don’t make a hero play trying to capture an animal without backup. In this case, neighbors and family coordinated like a well-practiced team, and that teamwork made the safe return possible.
Bonus twist: Walter’s owner had planned to put an Apple AirTag on him before the escape and intended to attach it after Walter got home. That would have simplified tracking and trimmed the recovery time, a lesson in small prep work saving big headaches — like making sure your favorite putter is in the bag before you walk the course.
Final green
Walter’s day ended with a trailer ride back to the farm, a check-up for minor scrapes, and a neighborhood full of people who got a story worth telling at the 19th hole. For golf fans, it’s a reminder that the fairways are full of surprises and that sometimes the most entertaining part of a local round isn’t the scorecard but the story you bring back to the clubhouse.
FAQ
Is Walter dangerous?
Walter is an emu, a large, flightless bird. They can sprint fast and may kick if cornered, so they should be treated with caution. In this case, Walter suffered only minor injuries.
How did Walter escape?
Walter likely got spooked and jumped two five-foot fences at his farm, then walked across town and into yards and a golf course before being captured.
Where did Walter go?
Walter traveled across parts of Cape Cod, including a stop at Holly Ridge Golf Course, and ended up in a yard in Sandwich where neighbors helped with his recovery.
What should golfers do if they see an escaped animal on the course?
Stay calm, keep a safe distance, alert course staff or local authorities, and avoid chasing the animal alone. Coordination with others is key to a safe resolution.
How can owners prevent this in the future?
Secure fencing, routine checks before leaving animals unattended, and use of tracking devices like AirTags can reduce escape risks.
Quick reference table for golfers and neighbors
| Topic | Info |
|---|---|
| Animal | Emu named Walter |
| Top speed | Up to 30 miles per hour |
| Fence height jumped | Two five-foot fences |
| Key locations | Marstons Mills, Holly Ridge Golf Course, Sandwich neighborhood |
| Immediate actions for golfers | Keep distance, inform course staff, avoid sudden movements |
| Owner prevention tips | Secure fencing, add tracker devices, keep emergency contact plan |
End of report — a lighthearted reminder that on Cape Cod, even the fairways sometimes get a surprise guest. Keep an eye on the rough and always be ready for an unexpected story to bring back to the clubhouse.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Local Television Station Celebrates 25 Years of Broadcasting in Boston
Additional Resources
- Boston 25 News: Escaped Emu Entertains Cape Residents
- NBC Boston: Wild Video of Escaped Emu Captured
- Boston.com: Escaped Emu Rescued by Police
- Boston Globe: Police Capture Escaped Emu
- ABC7: Emu Bird in Brockton, MA Police Chase
- Wikipedia: Emu
- Google Search: Escaped Emu News
- Google Scholar: Emu Behavior
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Emu
- Google News: Escaped Emu
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