Escaped wallaby startles Pierce County deputy

A pet wallaby is home safe after it jumped out in front a Pierce County Sheriff’s deputy’s car Thursday, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The deputy initially believed the animal to be a 2-3 foot kangaroo, and called animal control officers to help capture the animal, the Sheriff’s Office said. Officers chased it down and caught it with a net.

It turned out to be a female wallaby named Mia, the Sheriff’s Office said. Deputies found Mia’s owner a few blocks away and the animal was returned.