Loose Kangaroo Causes Interstate Chaos in Alabama Before Safe Recapture
Highway Traffic Halted by Escapee Kangaroo in Alabama
In a bizarre turn of events in Alabama, a kangaroo named Sheila caused a commotion on Interstate 85, leading to a brief shutdown of the highway. The whimsical animal was eventually captured and returned to its owners unharmed.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reported that Sheila was spotted hopping along the side of Interstate 85, between Montgomery and Auburn in Macon County. The unexpected sight created a traffic jam, prompting state troopers to close both sides of the interstate for the safety of motorists.
Patrick Starr, Sheila's owner, confirmed the news, albeit with initial skepticism. "When somebody said there was a kangaroo, of course I didn't believe it, and nobody believed it," he admitted. However, as reality dawned, he was more than pleased to see his pet safe and sound.
Starr operates a family-run pumpkin patch and petting zoo, but Sheila is a personal pet, not part of the public exhibits. The animal's name seems to have a way of causing waves, for earlier this year, amidst the pandemic, reports suggested that Sheila escaped, only to be found riding inside a riding mower[1].
To bring Sheila back, state troopers and her owner employed a dart loaded with a tranquilizer. Once the kangaroo was drugged, it was carefully transported to their vehicle and taken back home.
The incident near Tuskegee left many motorists baffled, including Austin Price, who managed to capture the kangaroo on video. At first, he thought he was hallucinating. "I hear my grandmother yell: 'Is that a kangaroo?'" Price recounted. Skeptical at first, he thought he was observing a deer. However, upon closer inspection, he realized it was indeed a kangaroo, hopping down the interstate[4].
Sheila was treated by the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine post-capture and was reported to be unharmed[4]. Starr confirmed that his beloved pet was back home, up, and eating and drinking without any injuries.
(Note: The exact location and specifics of the pumpkin patch and petting zoo were not disclosed in the available reports.)
Sheriff Andre Brunson, joining in on the fun, happily stated, "We see a little bit of everything here." Indeed, this is a sight rarely experienced along Alabama's interstates!
- The kangaroo, Sheila, possibly originated from Macon County, as it was spotted hopping along Interstate 85 between Montgomery and Auburn in that area.
- In an attempt to safely recapture the loose kangaroo, state troopers and the owner, Patrick Starr, used a tranquilizer dart to subdue the animal.
- The unpredictable escapade involving the kangaroo could potentially provide entertaining general-news stories and perhaps even become a topic in local entertainment segments.
