Storm the kangaroo loose in Jupiter Farms
Marsupial spotted, but eludes capture
A 4-foot-tall kangaroo named Storm escaped from its home in Jupiter Farms, and a search was underway Tuesday to return the wayward marsupial to its owner.
The 45-pound male kangaroo has been spotted in the rural, western Palm Beach County neighborhood, but so far officers of the state wildlife commission have been unable to catch it.
“We do not believe that there is a significant public safety risk concerning this animal,” the wildlife commission said in a news release. “The animal’s owner has informed FWC investigators that it should not pose a threat to humans.”
The kangaroo’s owner, Eric Westergard, holds a valid license to keep the animal, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. His facility was last inspected Nov. 21, 2016, and no violations were found, according to the wildlife commission.
State wildlife officials hope to avoid using a dart to subdue the kangaroo.
“It is our hope that the animal can be recaptured without the use of chemical immobilization techniques, but our investigators are prepared and trained for that possibility,” said Rob Klepper, spokesman for the wildlife commission. “The owner has indicated that the animal is likely to approach willingly when they locate it.”
The kangaroo got loose late afternoon Monday. The commission is investigating how it escaped, said Carol Lyn Parrish, spokeswoman for the commission.
The commission advised the public to not approach the kangaroo. Anyone who spots it is asked to call the state wildlife commission’s Wildlife Alert Line at 888-404-3922.