A runaway kangaroo named Sheila caused a traffic disruption on an Alabama interstate on Tuesday before state troopers and her owner were able to catch her. Sheila was spotted hopping along Interstate 85 in Macon County, located between Montgomery and Auburn.
The unexpected sighting led to traffic being stalled, prompting state troopers to shut down both lanes of the interstate for safety reasons. The kangaroo’s owner, along with law enforcement, was able to safely capture her, according to Capt. Jeremy J. Burkett of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Macon County Sheriff Andre Brunson shared his surprise during a Facebook live video as Sheila was being apprehended. “When somebody said there was a kangaroo, of course I didn’t believe it, and nobody believed it. But I’m looking at him,” Brunson said while the animal was being captured.
The owner used a tranquilizer dart to sedate the kangaroo, and video footage showed Sheila being carried away to a vehicle. Sheriff Brunson commented on the unusual situation, noting, “We see a little bit of everything here.”
The kangaroo’s owner, Patrick Starr, explained that Sheila had escaped from her enclosure. After the incident, Starr confirmed that Sheila was safe and back at home. “She’s up. She’s not sedated anymore. She’s eating. She’s drinking. She’s not injured,” he said. Sheila was also treated by the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Starr runs a pumpkin patch and petting zoo, though Sheila is considered a personal pet. “She’s a sweet pet. I’m glad she’s back home, and I’m glad everybody slowed down a little bit,” Starr added.
One witness, Austin Price, who filmed Sheila hopping down the interstate, said he initially thought it might be a deer. However, after a closer look, he realized it was indeed a kangaroo.