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Yes.

A pet kangaroo in Durango escaped from its owners in May, sparking an unusual police chase that ended when an officer managed to capture the animal and return it to its home. 

Named Irwin, the kangaroo was 2 years old and not yet fully grown. Authorities say he was no larger than a dog, allowing an officer to sneak up and grab him. Irwin had previously escaped in October. Once fully grown, male red kangaroos can weigh up to 200 pounds.

Red kangaroos are legal to own in Colorado with no state license required, though local rules may apply. Other mammals legal to own in the state include sugar gliders, short-tailed possums and zebras. 

Colorado law prohibits taking any animal from the wild to keep as a pet. Aside from certain native amphibians and reptiles, releasing an animal into the wild is also prohibited.

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References:

Loose pet kangaroo keeps police hopping — again — in Colorado, The Associated Press, May 20, 2025. Source link.

Police in southwestern Colorado capture kangaroo on the loose-for a second time, CBS News, May 21, 2025. Source link.

Red Kangaroo, Australian Museum, accessed in June 2025. Source link.

Wildlife Are Not Pets, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, accessed in June 2025. Source link.

Here are some of the extremely unusual animals you can own in Colorado, and some more familiar ones you can’t, Colorado Public Radio, May 26, 2025. Source link.

Type of Story: Fact-Check

Checks a specific statement or set of statements asserted as fact.

Por recently graduated from CU Boulder with a master’s degree in journalism and is interested in writing about the environment and exploring local stories. When not working on some form of writing, Por is either looking for Thai food or petting...