Pasco County authorities charge owner of escaped kangaroo

LACOOCHEE, Fla. — Wildlife officials say a kangaroo that was captured after ten hours on the run in Pasco County has died.

Authorities also said they had filed charges against the animal's owner.

The 200-pound male kangaroo was spotted last weekend in the area of Lacoochee and led deputies on a chase that ended nearly ten hours later. Wildlife officers eventually used a tranquilizer to stop the animal.

Florida Fish and Wildlife spokesman Officer Baryl Martin said the kangaroo died Sunday of cardiomyopathy or excited delirium.  A combination of tranquilizer darts, the escape and traumatic capture likely played a role.

Wildlife officials said Friday that the animal belongs to John Chatfield, who owns a breeding farm with more than 50 kangaroos. He has a state permit to keep the animals.

WFTV