Emu Deaths Investigated In Stevens County

The Stevens County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the death of 16 emus, ostrich-like flightless birds, at a farm 25 miles north of Colville.

“It appears it may have been a combination of lack of feed and water and weather conditions,” Sheriff Craig Thayer said.

Officers began investigating the deaths Jan. 27 after receiving a report from Joyce Tasker, who operates an animal shelter called Dog Patch in her Colville-area home.

Tasker said she saw the dead emus and up to 25 live ones when she visited Michael Jarvis’ farm at Marble Flats, a mile south of Northport, on Jan. 23.

The dead birds had been buried and the remaining emus had shelter, food and water when a deputy arrived, Thayer said.

Thayer said Jarvis lives in Northport, while caretakers Jeffrey Yohe, 34, and Corina Hildahl, 33, live at the farm. All the parties have been cooperating with authorities.

Officers are still taking statements in an effort to determine exactly what caused the deaths and who was responsible, Thayer said.

Emu ranchers throughout the region hope to establish a market for the birds’ lean, beef-like meat.