Runaway kangaroo causes shut down of Alabama interstate, causes traffic chaos

A kangaroo named Sheila caused a temporary shutdown of a section of Interstate 85 on Tuesday, disrupting traffic between Montgomery and Auburn in Alabama state of the US.

The unusual scene unfolded in Macon County when drivers reported seeing Sheila hopping along the roadside.

The sight of the marsupial startled motorists, prompting the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to close both sides of the highway for safety.

Macon County Sheriff Andre Brunson, who initially dismissed reports of the kangaroo, later shared the bizarre moment on Facebook Live, recounting his surprise as he witnessed Sheila in action.

The kangaroo, which had escaped from its owner’s enclosure, was eventually tranquilised by Patrick Starr, the animal's owner, who had been searching for Sheila since her escape.

The highway was reopened shortly after the animal was safely captured.