Pet Kangaroo Irwin Evades Colorado Police Again
A 2-year-old kangaroo named Irwin has become Durango, Colorado’s most famous repeat offender after escaping from his home for the second time in eight months, forcing local police to once again become impromptu wildlife wranglers. The latest great escape occurred Monday when concerned residents called authorities after spotting the pet marsupial hopping through town, worried he might get struck by traffic.
Police Commander Nick Stasi noted that chasing loose kangaroos is becoming an unexpected part of police work in the southwestern Colorado tourism hub, though officers have learned from their previous encounter with the escape artist, according to Associated Press.
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Growing Pains and Capture Challenges
Irwin’s size presented new challenges for officers during his latest escapade. When he first escaped last fall, the young kangaroo was small enough to hop into a bag designed to mimic a mother kangaroo’s pouch. However, months of growth meant the previous capture technique was no longer viable.
“That technique wasn’t going to work. The officers were debating whether they needed to lasso it or what the plan was,” Stasi explained. Officer Shane Garrison, described by his commander as a “farm boy” with animal-handling experience, ultimately solved the problem by following Irwin down an alley into a residential backyard.
Successful Police Operation
Despite being larger than before, Irwin remained manageable at roughly the size of a medium dog. Garrison was able to corner the marsupial near a house, sneak up close, and grab him successfully. Body camera footage captured the officer carrying the kangaroo to a police truck’s back seat, where Irwin rode calmly back to his family in downtown Durango.
The Durango Police Department took a lighthearted approach to the unusual situation on social media, posting: “We can’t say we saw ‘kangaroo roundup’ in the job description, but here we are. All in a day’s work. Applause to Ofc. Garrison who flexed and showed us who could lift the not-so-little guy,” according to Denver Post.
Legal Exotic Pet Ownership
Kangaroos are among the unusual but legal animals that Colorado residents can keep as pets, making Irwin’s ownership entirely legitimate. However, his escapes highlight the challenges of containing animals not typically suited for suburban environments. Durango, a town of 20,000 residents known for its narrow-gauge train mountain tours, has become an unlikely setting for repeated marsupial adventures.
Officials remain uncertain about how Irwin managed his latest escape, though the pattern suggests he may be developing more sophisticated methods as he matures. The growing kangaroo will present increasingly difficult challenges for future capture attempts if his escape artist tendencies continue.
Future Containment Concerns
Stasi expressed concern about Irwin’s growth trajectory and the implications for public safety. By age four or five, kangaroos can grow taller than most humans and weigh up to 200 pounds. They can hop faster than people can run and deliver powerful kicks, making capture attempts significantly more dangerous as the animals mature.
“We want all pet owners to be responsible with their pet, how they keep it and keep it safe,” Stasi emphasized. The statement reflects growing awareness that exotic pet ownership requires specialized knowledge and infrastructure beyond what typical domestic animals need.
Internet Celebrity Status
Irwin’s repeated escapes have garnered national attention, with the Durango Police Department referring to him as their “viral hopper” who has become famous for “bouncing his way through town.” The kangaroo’s adventures have provided entertainment for residents and social media followers while highlighting the unexpected challenges small-town police departments can face, according to Colorado Public Radio.
As Irwin continues to grow and potentially develop more advanced escape strategies, Durango police may need to develop specialized protocols for kangaroo capture. For now, the marsupial has been safely returned to his family, though residents will likely keep their eyes peeled for his inevitable next adventure in the mountains of southwestern Colorado.
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