Loose Kangaroo Continues to Evade Colorado Police

A 2-year-old pet kangaroo named Irwin has become an internet sensation and repeat escapist after leading Durango police on his second chase in less than a year, forcing officers to develop specialized capture techniques for the increasingly elusive marsupial.

The latest incident occurred Monday when concerned residents called police after spotting Irwin hopping through downtown streets, worried the growing kangaroo might be struck by a vehicle during his unauthorized neighborhood tour.

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Growing Escape Artist Challenges Police

Irwin’s latest escape proved more challenging than his previous breakout last fall, when the young kangaroo willingly leaped into a bag resembling a mother’s pouch. Now significantly larger—about the size of a medium dog—the maturing marsupial required more sophisticated capture strategies from Durango officers.

“That technique wasn’t going to work,” Police Commander Nick Stasi explained. “The officers were debating whether they needed to lasso it or what the plan was.” According to Associated Press, officers initially considered various unconventional approaches before settling on a direct capture method.

Farm Boy Officer Saves the Day

Officer Shane Garrison, described by his commander as a “farm boy” with extensive animal-handling experience, ultimately solved the kangaroo crisis through patient tracking and quick reflexes. Garrison followed Irwin down an alley and into a residential backyard, where he managed to corner the animal near a house.

Body camera footage captured the dramatic moment when Garrison approached the kangaroo, grabbed him securely, and carried the surprised marsupial to a police truck’s back seat. The officer’s calm demeanor and practical approach demonstrated the value of rural experience in urban policing situations.

Legal Pet in Unusual Location

Kangaroos are among the exotic but legal animals that Colorado residents can keep as pets, making Irwin’s ownership entirely legitimate despite the unusual circumstances of his repeated escapes. The marsupial lives with his family in downtown Durango, a tourism hub of 20,000 residents known for historic narrow-gauge train tours through the mountains.

The small city’s scenic setting and relaxed atmosphere make it an unlikely location for kangaroo chases, adding to the surreal nature of police encounters with the hopping fugitive. Local residents have embraced Irwin’s adventures as harmless entertainment that brightens their community’s reputation.

Growing Concerns About Future Escapes

Police officials acknowledge that Irwin’s escapes will become significantly more dangerous as he matures. By age 4 or 5, kangaroos can grow taller than most humans and weigh up to 200 pounds, developing the ability to hop faster than people can run while delivering potentially devastating kicks.

Commander Stasi emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership, stating “We want all pet owners to be responsible with their pet, how they keep it and keep it safe.” According to Colorado Sun, the growing kangaroo presents escalating challenges for both public safety and animal welfare.

Social Media Fame and Police Humor

The Durango Police Department has embraced the unusual situation with characteristic humor, posting on social media that “We can’t say we saw ‘kangaroo roundup’ in the job description, but here we are. All in a day’s work.” Their playful approach to the incident has earned widespread appreciation online.

The department’s Facebook posts about Irwin’s adventures have gone viral, with officers joking about their “viral hopper” and describing him as “Durango’s Most Unexpected Repeat Offender.” The lighthearted police response has helped build positive community relations while managing an genuinely unusual law enforcement challenge.

Uncertain Security Measures

Police remain unclear about how Irwin manages his escapes, though they suspect inadequate containment at his home may contribute to his wandering tendencies. The kangaroo’s apparent ability to breach whatever barriers his owners have installed suggests either sophisticated escape skills or insufficient security measures.

As Irwin continues growing larger and stronger, his owners will need to invest in more robust containment systems to prevent future incidents. The alternative could involve relocating the kangaroo to facilities better equipped to handle large marsupials safely.

Community Celebrity Status

Despite the logistical challenges his escapes create, Irwin has achieved local celebrity status among Durango residents who view his adventures as harmless entertainment. The kangaroo’s repeated appearances have become part of the city’s quirky character and tourist appeal.

The unusual police calls have provided officers with memorable experiences and social media content, while giving the small mountain community a unique claim to fame. As long as Irwin remains safely manageable, his escapades contribute to Durango’s reputation as a welcoming place where unexpected adventures can happen.

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