Another Kangaroo Running Wild in Texas Found Hopping Alongside Highway

Texas has the most kangaroos in the United States. They are one of the most popular exotic pets that you can own in the Lone Star State.

This past Thursday, February 27th, a Fayette County Sheriff’s Deputy posted on Facebook a selfie with an escaped Kangaroo that was wearing a red jacket. The Kangaroo was spotted about 2 hours south of Temple, Texas and about 1 1/2 hours east of San Antonio, Texas.

The owner of this kangaroo was found, and the kangaroo was returned. Sadly, there was another kangaroo in December of 2024, Rowdy, that went missing, and he has not been found since he was reported missing.

Why are Kangaroos so Popular in Texas?

There are quite a few reasons why there are so many kangaroos kept as pets in Texas. In many areas of the state the climate and the landscape are quite similar to that of Australia. This makes it a very comfortable habitat for the animals.

Texas has some very lenient laws when it comes to owning exotic animals, so it's much easier to legally own a kangaroo in Texas than it is in any other state.

Is it Difficult to Care for a Kangaroo?

Taking care of a Kangaroo is not an easy task, and if you are inexperienced, it is highly inadvisable to get one as a pet. They are very large and strong animals that can jump over fences that are 10 feet high, and they can run up to speeds of 35 mph. They require special diets that consist of vegetation that is not native to Texas. The also require specific medical attention that a regular veterinarian isn't equipped to handle, and the kangaroos are easily susceptible to illnesses.