Kangaroo Chases Become Part of Police Work in Colorado

In southwestern Colorado, chasing after loose kangaroos has unexpectedly become a part of police duties.

Last fall, a young pet kangaroo named Irwin managed to escape in Durango, making it easy to catch him back then. He was small enough to hop into a bag, resembling his mother’s pouch.

However, things weren’t as simple this past Monday when Irwin found himself on the loose again. Calls came in from worried locals, fearing he might get hit by a car.

Now, Irwin had grown too large for the same bag to work.

According to Police Commander Nick Stasi, “The plan didn’t quite go as expected. Officers were trying to figure out if they should toss the bag or what to do.” Officer Shane Garrison, who has a background in animal care, chased Irwin into an alley and then into a backyard, only to realize how tricky the situation was.

Despite being at medium-sized dog stature, Garrison managed to corner Irwin near a house. Eventually, he carried the kangaroo to the back seat of a police truck, a scene caught on another officer’s body camera.

Kangaroos are one of the few exotic pets legally permitted in Colorado. Irwin lives with his family in downtown Durango, a small tourist town known for its scenic mountain train rides.

Stasi was uncertain how Irwin escaped again, but he noted that as the two-year-old kangaroo grows, catching him is becoming more of a challenge. By the age of four or five, kangaroos can surpass the height of most men and weigh around 200 pounds. They can also jump much faster than a running person and deliver a strong kick.

Stasi emphasized the importance of holding pet owners accountable for their animals, stressing the need for safety and proper care.