World of the Bizarre

Authorities give chase as kangaroo shuts down interstate in Alabama

By T.K. Randall
May 3, 2025

Image: Kangaroo at the Hoenderdaell Animal Park in Anna Paulowna (illustrative)
Credit: René Cortin / CC BY-SA 4.0 (adapted) Wild animals that have escaped zoos, wildlife parks or private collections can be problematic at the best of times, but when an energetic marsupial recently managed to make a bid for freedom from a property in Macon County, Alabama, it ended up causing a lot more mischief than anyone could have anticipated.

Cars were backed up for some distance on Interstate 85 on Tuesday as the owner, alongside local authorities, struggled to catch the kangaroo - named Sheila - as she bounded up the highway.

"When somebody said there was a kangaroo of course I didn't believe it, and nobody believed it," Macon County Sheriff Andre Brunson said at the time.

Eventually, the owner - Patrick Starr - was able to sedate the animal with a tranquilizer dart."She's back home safe," he said.

"She's up. She's not sedated anymore. She's eating. She's drinking. She's not injured. She's a sweet pet. I'm glad she's back home, and I'm glad everybody slowed down a little bit."

One thing's for sure, Sheila certainly gave the cops a chase they won't forget anytime soon.

"We see a little bit of everything here," said Brunson.


Source: AP News

Tags: Kangaroo