Alabama drivers faced an unexpected traffic jam when a kangaroo named Sheila hopped onto Interstate 85, causing authorities to shut down the highway and leading to a surprising capture operation.
At a Glance
- Sheila the kangaroo escaped and was found hopping along Interstate 85 in Macon County, Alabama
- State troopers closed both sides of the interstate for safety after the marsupial caused two vehicle crashes
- The kangaroo was successfully captured using a tranquilizer dart and returned to owner Patrick Starr
- Sheila is now safe, uninjured, and back to normal activities at her home
- The incident was recorded by the local sheriff, who initially didn’t believe reports of a kangaroo
Highway Hopper Causes Interstate Shutdown
In a scene more fitting for the Australian outback than Alabama, a kangaroo named Sheila brought traffic to a standstill on Interstate 85 in Macon County. The unusual roadway visitor prompted state troopers to take the extraordinary measure of shutting down both directions of the interstate to ensure the safety of both motorists and the marsupial. The sudden appearance of the kangaroo reportedly led to two vehicle crashes, though fortunately no injuries were reported among drivers or passengers.
Law enforcement officers responded swiftly to the bizarre situation, working alongside the kangaroo’s owner to safely capture the animal. The scene drew significant attention from passing motorists and quickly became a local sensation, with many people initially skeptical about reports of a kangaroo on the loose in Alabama. Macon County Sheriff Andre Brunson, who documented the incident on video, was among those who initially doubted what they were hearing: “When somebody said there was a kangaroo of course I didn’t believe it, and nobody believed it. But I’m looking at him.”
Successful Capture and Return Home
The operation to capture Sheila required coordination between state troopers and the kangaroo’s owner, Patrick Starr. Authorities ultimately used a tranquilizer dart to safely subdue the animal without causing injury. Starr, who runs a pumpkin patch and petting zoo, confirmed that Sheila is his personal pet. After the successful capture, Sheila received medical attention from the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine before returning to Starr’s care: “She’s back home safe. She’s up. She’s not sedated anymore. She’s eating. She’s drinking. She’s not injured.”
The incident highlights the challenges of keeping exotic animals as pets and the potential public safety issues that can arise when such animals escape. Kangaroos are native to Australia and are rarely seen in the wild in the United States. This wasn’t the first such incident in recent American history, as a similar kangaroo escape occurred in Colorado approximately six months prior, demonstrating that while unusual, these events do happen occasionally across the country.
Local Reaction and Response
The appearance of a kangaroo on an Alabama interstate naturally drew astonishment from local residents and officials alike. Sheriff Brunson captured the sentiment of many when he noted the unusual nature of the event. The swift response by law enforcement prevented what could have been a more dangerous situation for both the animal and motorists, showcasing the adaptability of first responders when facing unexpected circumstances.
The incident has reignited discussions about exotic pet ownership regulations in Alabama and across the United States. While some states have strict laws governing the ownership of non-native animals, regulations vary widely across jurisdictions. For residents of Macon County, the sight of a kangaroo hopping down Interstate 85 will likely remain a memorable and unusual occurrence in local history, and a reminder that sometimes truth is indeed stranger than fiction.
