Footage of an Australian police officer chasing a runaway emu off a country road has taken flight online.

The stray native was reported to police by a passerby for becoming a “traffic hazard” for motorists near Nashdale, 270 kilometres west of Sydney, earlier this week.

Arriving on scene, the young officer gave chase on foot.

At one point, he had to speed up to keep up with the long-legged bird — emus can reach top speeds of 50km/h.

“Following a brief game of ‘catch me if you can’, the officer successfully moved the emu away from the roadway before it could ruffle any more feathers or cause a collision,” NSW Police posted on Facebook.

The uniquely Australian incident was captured on camera and had received some 100,000 views by Friday morning.

Most people saw emus along roadsides, near fences or other barriers, giving the impression of close association, the Australian Museum said.

But emus are not really social. Growing to a height of between 1.6-1.9 metres, they are Australia’s largest bird, with distinct shaggy grey-brown feathers.

They have small wings and long, powerful legs perfect for scorching across the landscape.

NSW Police has used the quirky episode as a recruitment tool for anyone seeking a career change with a difference.

“It’s not every day you find yourself conducting traffic management for an emu, but that’s policing,” its post said.

“If you’re looking for a career where every day brings something new, explore a future in the NSW Police Force.”

Chief Inspector David Abercrombie, from the Central West Police District, said the young constable was enjoying his moment in the spotlight.

“I’m just lucky it wasn’t me,” Abercrombie told ABC radio.

“If anyone asked me to chase an emu, it’d be more like watching a startled gazelle on Prozac.

“My speed would not be up to scratch.

“The young constable’s doing very well and is very excited by the fact that it’s gone viral.”

The video attracted amused comments from the public who observed that: “At least that bird wasn’t a flight risk.”

Another social media user mused that the hazardous bird had “refused a breath test”.

And Karen See wrote: “Ohhh look it’s the road runner but that’s not the coyote behind him. Beep. Beep.”