Kangaroo startles drivers in Wash.

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PASCO, Wash., July 3 (UPI) -- Police in Washington state said they created a barrier of patrol cars to keep a kangaroo from posing a danger to motorists on a highway.

Pasco police said the kangaroo, which escaped from the home of its owner Saturday, hopped through traffic on Highway 182 and nearly caused two collisions, KNDU-TV, Yakima, Wash., reported Tuesday.

"It posed a real danger on a highway. People [are] driving in excess of 20 mph and all of a sudden have to take an evasive action to avoid an animal on the roadway, potentially causing some serious accidents," Sgt. Ben Majetich said.

Police said they used their cars to block the animal from re-entering the highway and the kangaroo's owner was able to recapture it with the help of some volunteers.

Authorities said the owner lives in Franklin County where exotic pets are legal. It is not legal to have exotic animals, such as kangaroos, in the city of Pasco.

Pasco police said the owner, who also has a zebra, was not ticketed, but state Fish and Wildlife agents visited his home to check on his permits and the security of the kangaroo enclosure.