Kangaroo Sheila halts Alabama highway traffic

TUSKEGEE, Ala. — An unexpected sight caused quite the commotion on an Alabama interstate when a kangaroo named Sheila found her way onto the busy road. The unfolding drama took place on Tuesday and led to a temporary shutdown of a portion of Interstate 85 near Macon County, positioned between Montgomery and Auburn.

Witnesses reported seeing the marsupial hopping alongside the bustling highway, causing a major disruption to traffic flow. Concerned for the safety of both motorists and the animal, state troopers intervened and halted traffic on both sides of the interstate. The kangaroo’s owner, working alongside officers, was eventually successful in capturing Sheila, according to Capt. Jeremy J. Burkett from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Macon County Sheriff Andre Brunson captured the surreal encounter on a Facebook live video, remarking on the disbelief that initially greeted reports of a kangaroo at large. “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 commented as Sheila was safely restrained.

Utilizing a dart to tranquilize and calm the wayward kangaroo, her owner ensured Sheila could be transported back to her habitat without incident. The active rescue occurred on the interstate stretch nestled between the towns of Tuskegee and Auburn.

Sheriff Brunson noted, “We see a little bit of everything here,” implying the county is no stranger to unusual events.

Sheila’s owner, Patrick Starr, explained that Sheila managed to escape her enclosure, leading to her brief adventure. He confirmed that she has since been returned home safely, with no injuries or lingering effects from her tranquilization. “She’s up. She’s not sedated anymore. She’s eating. She’s drinking. She’s not injured,” Starr assured.

Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine provided care for Sheila following her escapade, ensuring her well-being. Although Sheila belongs to a family that operates a pumpkin patch and petting zoo, she is a personal pet, Starr clarified. Starr expressed relief at her safe return, stating, “She’s a sweet pet. I’m glad she’s back home, and I’m glad everybody slowed down a little bit.”

Austin Price, one of the individuals who recorded the hopping kangaroo from his vehicle, admitted to initially doubting his own eyes. When he heard his grandmother exclaim, “Is that a kangaroo?” he dismissed it as likely being a deer, only to do a double-take and confirm, “And yeah, it’s a kangaroo.”

The unexpected escapade on the Alabama interstate left motorists bewildered but ultimately ended with a safe conclusion for Sheila and those on the road.