A commuting crowd in West Virginia found themselves at a standstill, not for the usual reasons of road work or an accident, but due to a kangaroo bounding along the roadway.
On a regular Friday morning, commuters in Logan County were held up by a kangaroo, a legal pet in the region, causing quite the spectacle before safely returning to its owners, UPI reported.
The incident occurred on August 19 during the morning rush along Mud Fork Road in Verdunville. Noah Manns, on his usual route to work, was baffled by a sudden traffic stop.
“I was driving to work, and we had five cars in front of us that stopped in the middle of the road. I was trying to look around and see what the holdup was, and when I was able to get into view, I saw a kangaroo hopping up the road,” Manns told WVVA-TV.
Shocked, Manns quickly captured photos of the kangaroo and shared them on social media, asking, “Of all things, what is a full-grown kangaroo doing running around the streets?”
Manns’ Facebook post quickly drew attention, with many surprised by the kangaroo. The traffic stop involved at least five cars, with onlookers stepping out to witness the unusual sight.
Manns contacted a friend skilled in handling such situations, who helped connect with the kangaroo’s owners, ensuring a swift and safe return.
The kangaroo had been with its owners since it was a baby, likely making the retrieval smoother due to its familiarity with humans.
West Virginia allows residents to own kangaroos as pets, and this incident highlighted that fact. Beth Southern from the West Virginia Department of Agriculture confirmed their legal status after the event.
After the kangaroo escaped, its owners likely took steps to prevent future incidents and returned it safely home. The initially startled community responded positively to the quick resolution.
This event sparked discussions about unique pet ownership laws, demonstrating how such choices can lead to unexpected but memorable stories.
After the kangaroo’s safe return, residents buzzed with excitement and shared the tale of the kangaroo commute that brought wildlife wonder to a typical Friday morning rush.
Grateful for the community's support, the kangaroo's owners remained secluded and likely reinforced their pet's habitat to prevent future escapes. Traffic on Mud Fork Road resumed, but the event left a lasting impression on local commuters.
This incident reminds us of the unexpected moments that inject spontaneity into our routines, giving Verdunville residents a story they'll retell with smiles for years.
