Crikey, mate! It's a 'roo! Kangaroo loose in N.Y.

[May 08, 2009]  CANASTOTA, N.Y. (AP) -- A wayward 'roo named Bandit is wandering around an upstate New York community. tate police said motorists reported seeing a kangaroo early Wednesday afternoon along the Thruway near Exit 34 in Canastota, 20 miles east of Syracuse.

Troopers who searched the area saw the 3-foot-tall animal and contacted the owner, but the 'roo got away.

Owner Jeff Taylor said Bandit is a 1-year-old wallaroo, a large species of kangaroo. He bought the animal last month for a wildlife education program he intends to start next year.

Bandit has been on the loose for three weeks. Taylor said he believes someone broke into his barn and intentionally let the animal out.

The state police Thruway detail said Bandit remained on the loose Thursday morning.

[Associated Press]

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