A local council in Western Australia's South West has conceded to the will of its residents by allowing a marauding mob of up to 20 emus to continue roaming the streets of its town.

Key points: Emus roam the town of Nannup feeding on vegetable gardens and fruit trees

Emus roam the town of Nannup feeding on vegetable gardens and fruit trees Locals are divided as to whether they should remain or be driven out

Locals are divided as to whether they should remain or be driven out Emu scat is now a familiar sight around town

While emus have always inhabited bushland surrounding Nannup — located three hours south of Perth — the mob wandered in to town late last year and have yet to leave.

Most days, they can be found in the streets just off the main thoroughfare, snooping through front yards and foraging for food and water, while leaving tell-tale signs of their presence—and diet— on footpaths and roads as they go.

"The emus have suddenly appeared over the past six months or so and they've proven to become a bit of a nuisance in people's yards, and doing their dung on public thoroughfares," Nannup Shire President Tony Dean said.

"I have been here most of my life and it's the first time we've seen such a pack of this size in town, and it's clear their numbers are not in decline."

There is an abundance of evidence of the emus' comings and leavings around the town. ( ABC South West WA: Anthony Pancia )

The issue appeared to come to a head following a collision between a motorcyclist and emu just before Christmas, an accident which proved fatal for the bird and resulted in the rider being airlifted to a regional hospital for his injuries.

"They're also a major problem, I feel, with the main road that goes through Nannup, it is a major thoroughfare and can be potentially dangerous with 20 emus wandering around," Mr Dean said.

Tony Dean says the birds are a nuisance, but council has agreed to let them stay. ( ABC South West WA: Anthony Pancia )

"The collision with the motorcyclist only highlights that risk."

While mostly a timid bunch, the emus will occasionally break into a high-speed sprint when spooked, prompting concerns they pose a danger to children, the elderly, and themselves as near misses with motorists add up.

Mr Dean, said a long dry spell could have left the emus with little food or water in their own habitat, prompting them to move into town, which is renowned for its tulip displays and manicured gardens.

Ratepayers side with emus

The shire council posted tips on how best to deal with the emus on its Facebook page, but some residents were quick to express disappointment the council would endorse the use of a "high pressure cleaner" to move the emus on.

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Rumours then spread that the council may be considering a hands-on approach to moving mature male birds on, at the very least.

That prompted the council to post a clarification of its intentions following discussions with WA's wildlife authority the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA):

"During those conversations with DBCA the Shire of Nannup at no point has endorsed nor supported any culling of the local emu population," the post stated. "The Shire of Nannup is arranging for signs to be positioned at each entrance of Town informing drivers that emus are present in the area and to take care when driving. Please be aware these are wild animals, they should not be approached as they may attack due to being frightened or protective of their young and will become less fearful of humans."

Tourism operator Julie May says locals and tourists alike enjoy having the emus around. ( ABC South West WA: Anthony Pancia )

The town currently draws visitors to an annual tulip display and music festival, and trades on the folklore of the 'Nannup Tiger' — a supposed thylacine which was first 'sighted' in 1890.

More recently, it hosted what was thought to be the world's largest timber clock in its main street, however that has since been removed.

Like many regional towns across Australia, it is continually seeking to find a niche in a crowded tourism marketplace and there are hopes the emus could replicate the quokkas of Rottnest Island.

Nannup Caravan Park manager Julie May said the emus were a welcome addition to the town, entertaining both locals and tourists with their presence.

"They do take a bit of fruit off our trees and leave a bit of mess behind, as most animals will, but they don't cause a problem," Ms May said.

"Our guests love seeing them come through, and I personally don't know of anyone who lives here that wants them gone either."

The emus, having prevailed in their battle to stay, are now free to wander the streets without too much fear of being blasted with a gerni. ( ABC South West WA: Anthony Pancia )

Truce reached

The council has since resolved to leave the emus in town, deciding to install signs warning visitors not to feed or approach the birds.

Mr Dean said the presence of the emus would be a talking point for some time yet.

"The town seems divided on this, in terms of stay or go," he said.

"I think they will stay because we are not going to forcibly remove them, and therefore we've got to learn to live with them.

"If they [residents and tourists] do have a close encounter with them, don't approach them because they are territorial and they can be quite aggressive.