Runaway kangaroo causes traffic snarl on Alabama Interstate
Share and Follow

TUSKEGEE, Ala. (AP) — A runaway kangaroo named Sheila shut down a stretch of interstate in Alabama on Tuesday before state troopers and the animal’s owner wrangled the wayward marsupial.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said the kangaroo was spotted Tuesday hopping along the side of Interstate 85 in Macon County, which is between Montgomery and Auburn.

The sight snarled traffic, and state troopers shut down both sides of the interstate for the safety of motorists. The animal’s owner and troopers were able to capture it, Capt. Jeremy J. Burkett of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said.

“When somebody said there was a kangaroo of course I didn’t believe it, and nobody believed it. But I’m looking at him,” Macon County Sheriff Andre Brunson said in a Facebook live video as the animal was captured.

The owner used a dart to tranquilize the animal.

Brunson’s video showed the drugged kangaroo being carried to a vehicle to be returned to its home. The animal was captured on the side of the interstate between Tuskegee and Auburn, the sheriff said.

In this image taken from video, a runaway kangaroo moves down a stretch of interstate in Tuskegee, Ala., Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Austin Andrew Price via AP)

“We see a little bit of everything here,” the sheriff said.

The animal’s owner, Patrick Starr, told The Associated Press that the animal’s name is Sheila and that she escaped from her enclosure.

“She’s back home safe. She’s up. She’s not sedated anymore. She’s eating. She’s drinking. She’s not injured,” Starr said.

The kangaroo was treated by the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, he said.

The family runs a pumpkin patch and petting zoo, but Sheila is just a personal pet, Starr said.

“She’s a sweet pet. I’m glad she’s back home, and I’m glad everybody slowed down a little bit,” he said.

Austin Price, who took video of the animal hopping down the interstate, said he had to briefly question if he was seeing things.

“I hear my grandmother yell, ‘Is that a kangaroo?’ ” Price said.

He assumed it was probably a deer until he looked. “And yeah, it’s a kangaroo.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

“Exploring the Most Devastating Floods in the US from the Past 25 Years”

(AP) – Flooding has caused an average of more than 125 deaths…

Another incident of drowning has been reported at Hunting Island

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. () — The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office (BCCO) reported…

“Critical Analysis by DA Cook Jones on Leaders’ Statements”

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Following the Oglethorpe Mall shooting, Chatham County District…

Man believed to be wanted reportedly hit a WCSO car during a chase

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Washington County Tennessee Sheriff’s Office (WCSO)…

Texas Flash Flood Devastation Highlights Urgent Need for Storm Safety Measures

(AP) – The monstrous, swift-moving flood that swept through the Hill Country of Texas…

Preparing Your Pets for a Hurricane: Getting Ready for Stormy Weather with Your Furry Friends

HOUSTON – Getting ready for a hurricane’s landfall means making sure everyone…

Recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Walking out in the heat may be avoidable…

Could you be vulnerable to a ‘social engineering’ attack?

(NEXSTAR) – The Federal Bureau of Investigations on Friday issued an alert…