Highlands Ranch residents got a surprise visitor on Wednesday when deputies were called about a loose kangaroo in a neighborhood. The mystery marsupial turned out to be Charlie the wallaby, a wayward but unharmed pet who was quickly checked out by deputies and then guided back home.
As shown in a reel posted by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a report of a "kangaroo on the run" in Highlands Ranch and found the animal hanging out in a neighborhood yard. The video identifies the four-legged "suspect" as Charlie the wallaby and notes that everyone, including Charlie, was safe after deputies checked on him. The caption also points out that Charlie has his own Instagram account, because of course he does.
Deputies Keep It Chill And Charlie Heads Home
In the reel shared by Douglas County Sheriff's Office, a sergeant is heard saying, "this will be the highlight of our year," capturing the good-natured feel of the whole scene. The footage shows deputies giving Charlie some space, moving traffic out of the way, and helping guide him off the street. According to the post, Charlie was safely returned to his owners without any trouble.
Why A Wallaby Is Legally Hanging Out In Colorado
Colorado Parks and Wildlife materials state that some macropod species, including certain wallabies and kangaroos, have been considered for the agency's "unregulated wildlife" lists, which can allow private ownership if import, health, and other requirements are met, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife documents. Reporting by the Durango Herald notes that some Coloradans do keep wallabies and kangaroos, and that the agency warns against spur-of-the-moment exotic pet purchases, with officials urging potential owners to think carefully about care needs, space, and disease risks before bringing one home.
What Neighbors And Exotic Pet Owners Should Know
Authorities say that if you see an exotic animal on the loose, you should not try to approach or catch it. Instead, call your local animal-control office or the sheriff's non-emergency line so people with training and equipment can handle it. Legal experts note that rules for exotic animals vary widely from place to place, and that owners are on the hook for securing any needed permits, following import and health rules, and complying with local ordinances.
Charlie the wallaby's quick neighborhood adventure wrapped up without injuries and left neighbors more amused than alarmed, and deputies turned the lighthearted call into a short video that collected plenty of smiles. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office reel remains the main record of the encounter, while state documents and news reporting help explain how a wallaby ended up living legally in the Denver area.
