Wallaby caught in Calif. backyard

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., Feb. 7 (UPI) -- A loose wallaby thought to have been smuggled into the area has been captured in San Bernardino County, Calif.

The animal, which has the appearance of a kangaroo but is only 3 feet tall, was captured by animal control officers after it hopped into a suburban backyard, KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, reported Wednesday.

Sgt. Doug Wagner said a resident called police at about 8:30 a.m. and said, "Hey, there's a kangaroo jumping down our street." He said the animal did not resist animal control officers and is believed to be domesticated.

Wagner said the marsupial was taken to a shelter where it will remain unless claimed by its owner, which Wagner said is unlikely as the animal appears to have been smuggled illegally into the area.

"Chances are nobody's going to claim it," he said. "I don't know the law, but you can't even have ferrets so I can't imagine you're allowed to have kangaroos."

He said the wallaby will likely be taken to a zoo if it remains unclaimed.