Report from Chris Smith
Motorists warned about escaped wallabies
From Ananova 22 nd August 2004
Motorists in Argyle and Bute are being warned to look out for wallabies that escaped from an island in a loch.
Wallabies were introduced on to a tiny island on Loch Lomond in the 1970s by a private landowner.
He reportedly wanted to establish a wildlife park, but later abandoned the idea and the Australian animals, who survive on shrubs and plants.
There are now thought to be 40 wallabies inhabiting the island, some having escaped
to the mainland.
They've been sighted in the village of Luss and a lorry driver says he recently had to
swerve to avoid a kangaroo-like animal.
The Herald says road safety officials and police are now having to consider putting up signs warning motorists to watch out for them.
A spokeswoman for Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park said: "We believe
there are around 40 wallabies living on one of the islands on the loch, although it is
hard to gauge the exact number.
"They were introduced by a landowner in the 1970s and have lived there ever since.
The island has since changed hands and has its own farm."
Nancy Fraser, of Scottish National Heritage, said: "A few have swum to the mainland
and there have been several reports of sightings in the area. A truck driver recently
reported he almost hit what he thought was a kangaroo."
© Ananova, 22 nd August 2004
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