Kangaroo missing for weeks in Volusia County found safe, owner cited for 'improper caging': FWC

ORLANDO, Fla. - A missing kangaroo that had been hopping around Volusia County for weeks after escaping its enclosure during a bear encounter was found Wednesday and brought back home, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The animal's owner was also cited for multiple violations, including improper caging.

The kangaroo escaped from its enclosure on Oct. 17 after a bear made its way in, officials said. People had been searching throughout the Town of Pierson, a small rural community within Volusia County, for weeks.

In a statement on Wednesday, the FWC said one of its wildlife investigators received a report that the kangaroo had been spotted. It was found in a very thick and dense area of vegetation but was successfully captured and returned to its home.

The FWC said the owner of the kangaroo was cited for three violations:

• Expired class 3 license over 1 year
• Improper caging
• Failure to notify FWC/report the escape within 12 hours

It was not immediately clear what the penalty for those finds could be.

"Kangaroos are omnivores and eat plants, so they do not pose a threat to other species. However, they are strong and may defend themselves if they feel threatened," the FCW said.