Wild Encounter: Kangaroo Causes Spectacular Car Crash on Alabama Highway
In a bizarre incident that left witnesses stunned, a runaway kangaroo triggered a multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 65 near Birmingham, Alabama, on Tuesday morning. The marsupial, an exotic species uncommon to the region, darted across the highway during rush hour, causing drivers to swerve abruptly. The resulting pileup involved three cars and a delivery truck, temporarily shutting down southbound lanes and creating miles of traffic backups. Authorities confirmed minor injuries but no fatalities.
Chaos on the Commute: Eyewitness Accounts
“It was like something out of a cartoon,” said Marissa Thompson, 34, who narrowly avoided the collision. “One second I’m drinking my coffee, the next there’s this giant kangaroo bouncing between cars like it owned the road.” The animal reportedly appeared disoriented, zigzagging across lanes before a sedan clipped its hind legs. The impact sent the kangaroo tumbling into the path of an oncoming pickup truck.
Local wildlife expert Dr. Ethan Crawford expressed surprise at the incident: “While Alabama has a growing population of exotic pets, kangaroos are exceptionally rare. This individual was likely an escaped or released pet—their powerful legs can clear six-foot fences easily.” According to the Department of Conservation, only 12 licensed kangaroo owners exist statewide.
- 7:42 AM: First 911 call reports “large deer-like animal” on I-65
- 7:49 AM: Three-vehicle collision occurs near Exit 250
- 8:15 AM: Animal control captures injured kangaroo
- 9:30 AM: All lanes reopened with residual delays
The Ripple Effects of Exotic Pet Ownership
The incident has reignited debates about exotic animal regulations. Alabama currently allows kangaroo ownership with a permit, but requires enclosures meeting USDA standards. “This crash illustrates why we need stricter containment rules,” argued State Representative Claire Dawson, who proposed a 2022 bill to ban private kangaroo ownership. “Wild animals belong in accredited sanctuaries, not suburban backyards.”
However, exotic pet advocates counter that responsible ownership shouldn’t be penalized. “The real issue is enforcement of existing laws,” said Marcus Reed of the Exotic Animal Keepers Alliance. “Properly contained kangaroos pose no more risk than large dogs.” Data from the Humane Society shows exotic pet escapes increased 17% nationally since 2020, with climate change expanding habitable ranges for some species.
Emergency Response and Animal Welfare
Paramedics treated two drivers for whiplash and a passenger for broken glass cuts. The kangaroo sustained a fractured pelvis but survived. “We sedated it using protocols for wallabies,” said Dr. Lisa Nguyen of Birmingham Wildlife Rescue. “It’s now stable at our facility—a male red kangaroo about five years old, microchipped to an owner in Shelby County.”
The Alabama Highway Patrol issued reminders for encountering wildlife:
- Don’t swerve abruptly—controlled braking prevents worse collisions
- Activate hazard lights to alert other drivers
- Report loose animals immediately to 911 or wildlife authorities
Looking Ahead: Policy Changes and Prevention
Transportation officials are considering wildlife warning signs in areas with known exotic pet populations. Meanwhile, the kangaroo’s owner faces possible fines under Alabama’s negligence statutes. “This could’ve ended tragically,” noted Trooper Javier Mendez. “Exotic pets are beautiful but unpredictable—owners must prioritize public safety.”
As for the kangaroo, dubbed “Boomer” by rescuers, veterinarians expect a full recovery. Authorities will determine whether he returns home or moves to a sanctuary after investigating the escape’s circumstances. For now, the surreal event serves as a cautionary tale about nature’s ability to disrupt human routines in the most unexpected ways.
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