A runaway kangaroo named Sheila forced Alabama authorities to shut down Interstate 85 as the Australian marsupial hopped through traffic, causing accidents and disbelief among local law enforcement.

At a Glance

• Sheila the kangaroo escaped from her owner’s property and was spotted hopping along Interstate 85 in Macon County, Alabama
• State troopers closed both sides of the interstate and two minor vehicle accidents occurred during the incident
• The kangaroo was captured using a tranquilizer dart in a joint effort by her owner and state troopers
• Sheila belongs to Patrick Starr, who runs a pumpkin patch and petting zoo in the area
• The unusual incident was captured on video by the Macon County Sheriff

Kangaroo on the Interstate Causes Shutdown

Interstate 85 in Macon County, Alabama faced an unprecedented shutdown when Sheila, a kangaroo belonging to local businessman Patrick Starr, decided to take an unscheduled journey along the highway. The marsupial’s appearance on the busy thoroughfare prompted immediate action from Alabama state troopers who closed both lanes of traffic to prevent harm to the animal and motorists. Despite precautions, the unusual situation resulted in two minor vehicle accidents, though thankfully no injuries were reported among drivers or passengers.

The incident created significant traffic disruptions as motorists found themselves delayed by what many initially assumed was a standard traffic accident. However, as news spread of the actual cause, many travelers expressed disbelief that a kangaroo could be the source of their delay in rural Alabama. The marsupial’s unexpected appearance drew considerable attention both locally and nationally as videos began circulating on social media platforms.

Local Sheriff Documents Unusual Event

Macon County Sheriff Andre Brunson arrived on the scene and captured video footage of the kangaroo, documenting the surreal scene for posterity. The footage shows Sheila hopping alongside the interstate while law enforcement worked to coordinate her safe capture. Sheriff Brunson, like many others, initially doubted reports of a kangaroo on Interstate 85, but quickly became a firsthand witness to the unusual situation.

“When somebody said there was a kangaroo of course I didn’t believe it, and nobody believed it. But I’m looking at him,” said Macon County Sheriff Andre Brunson.

The sheriff’s amazement at the situation reflected the general sentiment of local residents. In his video documentation of the incident, Brunson can be heard expressing his astonishment, noting that in his tenure as sheriff, he had encountered many unusual situations, but a kangaroo on the loose was unprecedented. His surprise highlights how truly extraordinary the situation was, even for law enforcement officers who regularly deal with unexpected events.

Successful Capture and Return

The operation to safely capture Sheila involved coordination between state troopers, local law enforcement, and her owner, Patrick Starr. Authorities eventually succeeded in capturing the marsupial using a tranquilizer dart, allowing them to safely remove her from the dangerous highway environment. After capture, Sheila was transported to Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine for examination and treatment to ensure she hadn’t sustained any injuries during her adventure.

“She’s back home safe. She’s up. She’s not sedated anymore. She’s eating. She’s drinking. She’s not injured,” Patrick Starr said about his kangaroo following the incident.

Starr, who runs a pumpkin patch and petting zoo in the area, keeps Sheila as a personal pet. The incident has raised some questions among local residents about the keeping of exotic animals, though Starr has the proper permits and facilities to house the kangaroo. This isn’t the first such incident in the United States – a similar kangaroo escape occurred in Colorado just six months earlier, suggesting such events, while rare, are not unprecedented across the country.