Two Wallabies escaped on the night of July 20 between Mouscron (Belgium) and Wattrelos (France). Frightened, but non-aggressive, they flee as soon as we approach, complicating the efforts of the police and firefighters, who launch an appeal to witnesses.
Since July 20, two Wallabies have been on the run near the Franco-Belgian border, between Mouscron (Belgium) and Wattrelos (France), more precisely near the localities of Herseaux and Luingune. The escape would have taken place with an individual, presumably the owner of the two marsupials. The first testimonials date from Sunday morning, brought by embarrassing motorists to see a funny leaping silhouette on the side of the road. Velu, a few centimeters high, and moving in small leaps, the Wallaby is a kangaroo cousin.
Difficult to catch
According to Mouscron police officers, the Wallabies are frightened and not aggressive: if they are approached, they immediately flee. This fearful nature complicates capture efforts. Research mobilizes local police, firefighters, and a first drone overflight is planned to locate animals in the surrounding corn fields.
Several other cases of escape from Marsupiaux have already been reported in the region, which shows how this situation can shake up local fauna. In Wallonia, Wallabies can be detained as pets, subject to strict conditions according to a decree dating from July 2018. The owners, currently on vacation, were identified by the authorities.
If you see them, do not try to catch them with bare hands: they are nervous but non-aggressive and run away quickly. The best is to immediately call the police if you meet them: the police encourage rapid reports. If you have any information, contact your local police station or the Mouscron police immediately.
