Parkland, United States - July 14, 2024

Early Sunday morning, July 14, Pierce County Sheriff's Department deputies and Washington State Patrol troopers found themselves dealing with an unexpected situation when called to 158th Street East and B Street East in Parkland, Washington. The reported "traffic hazard" turned out to be an escaped wallaby.

Described as standing 2 1/2 feet tall with distinctive features including a long tail, big ears, and tiny forearms, the wallaby led authorities on a brief chase before a trooper successfully tackled the agile marsupial.

Sergeant Darren Moss of the Pierce County Sheriff's Department assured the public, stating, "No deputies, troopers or [wallabies] were hurt in today's incident." The wallaby was safely returned to its presumed home at Debbie Dolittle's Petting Zoo in Parkland, though a spokesperson from the zoo denied ownership of the adventurous animal.