Watch: Runaway kangaroo closes stretch of Alabama interstate
In an incident that could easily be mistaken for a scene from a movie, a runaway kangaroo named ‘Sheila’ brought a stretch of an Alabama interstate to a standstill, causing traffic disruptions and creating an unusual spectacle for motorists.
The kangaroo, who had temporarily escaped from her owners, was eventually captured and returned safely. However, not before the surreal sight of a kangaroo hopping down an Alabama freeway had been captured on video and widely shared on social media. The incident occurred on Interstate 759 in Etowah County.
The Etowah County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to the unusual situation on Tuesday morning when they received calls from motorists reporting a kangaroo on the loose on the interstate. “We initially thought it was a prank call,” confessed Sheriff Jonathan Horton. “Kangaroos are not native to Alabama, or even North America. But when more calls started coming in, we realized this was a real situation.”
The Sheriff’s Office, along with local Animal Control officers and the owners of the kangaroo, promptly arrived at the scene. The team worked together to corner Sheila and temporarily closed off a part of the interstate to ensure the safety of the kangaroo and the public.
“We didn’t want to risk the kangaroo getting hit by a vehicle, nor did we want any accidents caused by drivers getting distracted by the sight,” Sheriff Horton explained.
The interstate closure lasted approximately two hours, during which Sheila was successfully captured and returned to her owners.
Sheila’s owners, who requested to remain anonymous, expressed their relief at the safe return of their pet and thanked the police and the public for their help. They explained that Sheila had managed to escape from her enclosure due to a faulty latch which has since been fixed.
“We’re just glad she’s safe. She’s part of our family,” the owners said. “We want to apologize to anyone who was inconvenienced by the incident.”
Those who witnessed the spectacle expressed their disbelief and amusement at the sight of a kangaroo in Alabama. “I thought I was hallucinating,” said one motorist. “I’ve seen deer and even a bear once on this road, but a kangaroo? That’s a first.”
The video clip of the kangaroo hopping down the interstate has since gone viral, with many social media users finding humor in the unusual incident. However, it has also sparked a discussion about exotic pet ownership and the need for stricter regulations to ensure the safety of both the animals and the public.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, Alabama is one of only five states with virtually no laws or regulations governing the private possession of dangerous exotic animals. This incident has led some to call for stricter regulation.
In the aftermath of the incident, Sheriff Horton urged exotic pet owners to ensure their animals are properly secured and cannot escape their enclosures. “While this incident ended without any harm, it could have easily turned dangerous,” he said. “We were lucky this time, but we may not always be.”
The Sheriff also praised the teamwork and quick response of his officers, Animal Control, and the kangaroo’s owners. “This was definitely an unusual call for us,” he said. “But our team handled it professionally and ensured the safety of the kangaroo and the public.”
As the dust settles on this unique event, one thing is certain: the sight of Sheila the kangaroo hopping down an Alabama interstate is a spectacle that will not be forgotten anytime soon.
