Kangaroos bouncing through Florida streets?
Yup, it’s not a fever dream or an Aussie invasion! A viral video has Floridians scratching their heads as a kangaroo was caught hopping carefree through a neighborhood, leaving residents equal parts baffled and amused. The video creator, barely containing their excitement, can be heard exclaiming,
“Since when are there kangaroos in Florida? What in the world? Who has a kangaroo?”
as the marsupial casually bounds by. So, what’s the deal with these out-of-place hoppers causing a stir in the Sunshine State? Let’s dive into the wild tale of Florida’s kangaroo capers.
This isn’t the first time a kangaroo has turned Florida into its personal playground. Back in February 2024, Tampa residents got a shock when a kangaroo was spotted chilling in an apartment complex, even taking a dip in the pool area before deputies wrangled it back to its owner. The owner had all the proper paperwork, because yes, you can legally own a kangaroo in Florida with a permit. Fast forward to October 2024, and a kangaroo in Pierson, Volusia County, made headlines after a bear broke into its enclosure, sending the roo on a three-week joyride through the woods.
Locals were stunned, with one resident noting they’re used to bears and deer, but a kangaroo? That’s a whole new level of wild. The escapee was eventually caught, but not before sparking plenty of chatter and a few citations for the owner.
The legal scoop is simple: Florida classifies kangaroos as Class III wildlife, meaning you can keep one as a pet if you’ve got a no-cost permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It’s not like kangaroos are hopping out of the Everglades; these are escaped pets, not wild locals. Still, seeing one bounce through a suburb is enough to make anyone do a double-take. In July 2024, a Santa Rosa County deputy even snapped a selfie with a kangaroo named Mr. Bojangles while boating on the Blackwater River. The roo’s owner was nearby, and everything checked out, but the photo alone was pure Florida gold.
Not every sighting is legit, though. In August 2023, a supposed kangaroo spotting in Collier County was a hoax, proving some folks just want to stir the pot. But when the real deal happens, it’s a spectacle. Kangaroos aren’t exactly dangerous; they mostly munch on plants, but they can throw a punch if cornered, so authorities advise keeping your distance. For those wondering where these critters belong, check out places like Brevard Zoo, where kangaroos live safely in exhibits, not on your street.
The video that sparked this latest buzz captures the absurdity perfectly. At the six-second mark, the creator shouts,
“Since when are there kangaroos in Florida?”
By 14 seconds, they’re wondering,
“Who has a kangaroo?”
and by 25 seconds, they’re back to,
“What in the world?”
It’s the kind of reaction you’d expect when a creature straight out of an Australian outback documentary decides to take a Florida stroll. These incidents, while rare, keep popping up because some Floridians are living their best zookeeper lives, permits and all.
So, why are kangaroos turning Florida into their personal bounce house? Blame escaped pets and the state’s relaxed exotic pet laws. Next time you’re in Florida, keep an eye out you might spot a kangaroo hopping to the beat of its own drum.
