One of the most bizarre things to ever happen in the state of Alabama took place in the form of a kangaroo wandering around the highway. The said kangaroo– definitely not a native of the USA, even caused a two-vehicle crash and prompted authorities to shut down the whole Alabama interstate to avoid further accidents.
The odd chase happened on April 30 along Interstate 85 in Macon County. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency was called into action after motorists saw the kangaroo hopping along the highway with them. They couldn’t believe it at first, and the state troopers, with the help of the animal owner, managed to capture the stray kangaroo, but not without incident; the animal had already caused two vehicles to crash (though it appears no one was injured).
“When somebody said there was a kangaroo, of course I didn’t believe it, and nobody believed it. But I’m looking at him. We see a little bit of everything here,” according to Andre Brunson, Macon County Sheriff, transcript courtesy of CNN.
Turns out the Australian marsupial had a name: Shiela (fittingly), and she also belongs to a petting zoo in Alabama. Petting zoo and kangaroo owner, Patrick Starr, thankfully had a tranquilizer ready for such events, which helped him and the Alabama state troopers encircle Shiela. Andre Brunson, Macon County Sheriff also uploaded a Facebook video after the successful capture.
The owner can also be seen carrying Shiela back to a car and to the Alabama sanctuary. A few hours after the incident, Patrick Starr assured everyone that Shiela is not hurt and she was quickly back to eating and drinking as usual after the sedation wore off.
Not a Common Sight in Alabama
Despite the dangerous nature of the incident, some folks who lived in Alabama were somewhat disappointed that they weren’t there to see the kangaroo chase live. Apparently, some wanted to see a real kangaroo, even though there are petting zoos available already. A wild one on the road, however, was rare and almost impossible in the US.
Kangaroos only naturally exist in Australia and New Guinea. Australian kangaroos, in particular, are famous for casually inhabiting some of the more provincial spots or suburbs in the country. That doesn’t mean kangaroos can be approached peacefully, as male kangaroos are notorious for their aggressiveness and initiating kick-boxing matches when threatened or provoked.
Hence, Alabama citizens are naturally bewildered by their existence, and a kangaroo shutting down heavy traffic on a US highway is certainly not something you see every day. Shiela is safe and sound now, though her recent escapade has drawn many jokes and comments online.
“This is normal in Australia,” explains Redditor septicdank
“Sweet home Alabama!!!” points out OhanianIsTheBest
“Tie that kangaroo down, sport,” suggests TSAOutreachTeam
