Motorists in the US state of Arizona got a surprise when an emu appeared on a busy highway, approximately 160 kilometres west of the capital Phoenix.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety responded after receiving reports the flightless bird was loose on Interstate 10.

While it is unknown how the emu came to be in the area, it did get to the other side of the highway without harming itself or motorists.

State Troopers drove alongside the emu to stop it from running back onto the highway. ( Twitter: Department of Public Safety )

Once safely off the highway the emu kept state troopers busy.

Two patrol cars drove alongside the bird to stop it from getting back on the highway.

The emu got up close and personal with officers from the Department of Public Safety. ( Twitter: Department of Public Safety )

The curious creature even poked its head into a patrol car before it was finally captured.