PIERSON, Fla. – A kangaroo survived a scare from a bear Thursday night in Florida, and now the search is on for the hopping marsupial.
Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood said in a Facebook post that the kangaroo escaped its enclosure and was spotted hopping along a road in Pierson, about 55 miles north of Orlando.
“Just when you think you’ve seen it all. Pierson is hopping tonight,” Chitwood said.
He later provided an update on Facebook, saying, “The kangaroo reportedly escaped due to a bear entering its enclosure. Not located yet but we have been in contact with the owner and are keeping our eyes peeled.”
A spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission acknowledged the situation in the following statement to News 6:
FWC officers are continuing to search the area for the missing kangaroo. This remains an active investigation.
The public can report any recent sightings to FWC by calling the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or by texting 847411 (Tip411) with keyword “FWC” and information about the location.
Kristen Turner | Public Information Director, Northeast Region, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
In addition, the FWC told News 6 that the kangaroo was confirmed to have belonged to a nearby resident.
No other details about the kangaroo, including whether it’s a pet or what type of enclosure it was in, have been released.
Anyone who sees the ‘roo should call the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
Dozens of documented animal escapes in Florida
Florida’s history of wild animal stories is well-documented. This certainly isn’t the first time a kangaroo has gone on a spree in the state. One was found hopping along an Orange County neighborhood back in 2014, for instance.
But News 6 has reported on animal escapes involving monkeys, cobras, zebras, big cats, monitor lizards, wolves and even an elephant over the years.
In 2022, News 6′s Mike DeForest combed over Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission records to break down many of those escapes.
Check back for updates.