A kangaroo that escaped from its enclosure in Florida in mid-October was found and returned home by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The kangaroo was spotted in a fenced-in area in the small town of Pierson in Volusia County after escaping when a bear entered its enclosure. Residents had been on the lookout for the kangaroo, with one woman putting up signs warning drivers to watch out for the animal hopping across streets. Sheriff Mike Chitwood shared a screenshot from the Pierson Community Page on Facebook, showing the kangaroo hopping along a road.
The FWC investigator and the kangaroo’s owner responded to the location where the kangaroo was found and successfully captured and returned it to its home after it was bedded down in heavy cover. The kangaroo’s owner was cited for having an expired license for an exotic animal, improper caging, and failing to notify FWC within 12 hours of the animal’s escape. Resident Tamara Dubberly was able to capture video of the kangaroo hopping through a wooded area shortly before it was caught. Despite initially thinking it was not a big deal, Dubberly found the experience of seeing a kangaroo up close to be exciting and unique.
The FWC mentioned that kangaroos do not pose a threat to other species but can defend themselves if they feel threatened due to their strength. Fox News Digital reached out to the FWC for comment but has not received a response. The kangaroo incident in Pierson, north of Orlando, serves as a reminder of the exotic animals that can be found in Florida and the importance of proper licensing and containment to prevent escapes and potential harm to residents and other animals.
The escapade of the kangaroo in Pierson is not the only instance of animals getting loose in Florida. In a separate incident, monkeys escaped from a South Carolina research center, causing chaos in the area. The kangaroo’s escape and subsequent return home were met with amusement and curiosity from residents in Pierson, who were not used to seeing such an unusual animal roaming their town. The incident highlights the importance of responsible ownership and handling of exotic animals to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The discovery and return of the kangaroo to its home in Pierson brought relief to both residents and local authorities who had been concerned about the safety of the animal and the community. The capture and citation of the kangaroo’s owner serve as a warning about the consequences of not adhering to regulations regarding the ownership of exotic animals. While the incident may have been unconventional and unexpected, it ultimately ended without any harm to the kangaroo or others. The event also provided a moment of intrigue and excitement for residents who had the opportunity to witness a kangaroo in their town, a rare encounter that they will likely remember for a long time.
Overall, the escapade of the kangaroo in Pierson was a unique and memorable event that captivated the small town and garnered attention from local and national news outlets. The successful capture and return of the kangaroo highlighted the importance of proper licensing and containment of exotic animals to ensure the safety of both the animals and the community. While the incident may have caused some initial concern, it ultimately ended on a positive note with the kangaroo safely back in its enclosure. Residents of Pierson will surely remember the unexpected visit from the kangaroo for years to come.
