Tennessee locals are scanning roadsides for Ollie the kangaroo after he bolted before a walk

What was meant to be an ordinary walk turned into a very unusual search in Tennessee. Neighbors in Mount Pleasant are now asking people to keep watch for a pet kangaroo named Ollie after he got loose and headed away from home.

Ollie escaped while Jodi was getting him ready for his regular walk on Tuesday, according to Kayla Middlebrooks, a Mount Pleasant resident who helps out at Jodi's farm. Middlebrooks said the kangaroo ran toward Southport Road, setting off a local effort to find him.

In the clip below, that appeal continues as neighbors ask people to help by reporting any sign of Ollie rather than trying to approach him themselves.

A sighting was reported, then the trail went quiet

Middlebrooks said one report placed the kangaroo in Columbia, about 15 miles from home. But after that, there were no additional reports.

She said Ollie is still new to the area, which adds another layer of uncertainty to the search. She is also warning people not to treat the sighting like a chance encounter with a friendly pet. According to Middlebrooks, Ollie is still adjusting to people, so a stranger walking up to him would more likely send him running again.

Why a kangaroo in Tennessee is unusual, but not banned

As odd as the search sounds, keeping a kangaroo in Tennessee is not against the rules described by state law. Kangaroos are listed there as Class 3 exotic pets, which means owners do not need a special permit to keep them.

For now, the message from those looking for Ollie is straightforward. Anyone who spots him is being asked to contact local authorities and post the location on social media, in the hope that the next sighting leads him back home.

Why a kangaroo on the loose can be hard to catch

Kangaroos are powerful, nervous animals that rely on speed, space and quick changes of direction when they feel threatened. A startled kangaroo may freeze for a moment, then suddenly bound away, clear fences, or hide in scrub, ditches, tree lines or quiet corners of farmland and suburbs.

They are most likely to move when there is less noise and less activity, and they can become more stressed if people crowd them, shout, or try to herd them like a dog. Stress matters because an exhausted or panicked kangaroo can injure itself by crashing into fencing, roadsides, buildings or wire.

Anyone searching for one should think less about a chase and more about containment. Quiet observation, closing gates where possible, reducing noise, and watching likely shelter spots is usually more helpful than running after it.

What to do if you spot one

Give it space. Kangaroos can kick, scratch and lunge if cornered, especially if frightened. Keep children back, keep dogs inside or on a very short lead, and do not try to feed, grab or block the animal with your body.

If it is near traffic, the safest practical step is usually to warn others from a distance and contact local animal control, a wildlife rescue service, or the non-emergency police line, depending on what is used where you live. A useful report includes the exact spot, which way it was moving, whether it looks injured, and whether it is contained behind a fence.

If you can do so safely, stay nearby only as an observer. A calm witness who can update responders is often more valuable than another person trying to catch the animal.

What people often do not realise about keeping kangaroos

Kangaroos are not domesticated pets in the usual sense. Even animals raised around people can remain unpredictable, highly reactive and physically strong. They need secure fencing, room to move, suitable shelter, specialist diet and experienced handling.

Young kangaroos may seem manageable, but adults can become difficult very quickly. Males can be especially challenging as they mature, and both sexes can panic if routines change or strangers, vehicles or pets get too close.

Rules on private ownership vary widely by country, state and local area. Before taking one on, people are generally expected to check local regulations, access to veterinary care, enclosure standards and long term welfare needs. For most households, the practical challenges are far greater than they first appear.