Photo: Vancouver Island

A five-foot tall emu was spotted Tuesday near Nanaimo after it escaped from a nearby farm and blocked a busy road.

RCMP say the 100-pound bird decided to stand in the middle of Cheminaus Road and refused to move.

According to CTV Vancouver Island, the flightless bird's stubbornness forced police to take action, as it caused a major disturbance to traffic. 

Police blocked traffic in both directions for 30 minutes and had initially planned to capture the bird, named Parker. Animal control officers were called. Already agitated, the bird managed to avoid capture and began acting aggressively. 

Because of the safety concern to pedestrians and traffic, police ultimately made the decision to use a conducted energy weapon, or Taser, to subdue the animal.

Once in police custody, the emu was returned to its farm, where it is said to be in perfect health.

– with files from CTV Vancouver Island