Residents of Great Britain were warned to beware of wallabies (5 photos)
The tiny relatives of the kangaroo have been brought into zoos and private collections, but they have proven to be skilled escapees. The marsupials have adapted to the British countryside and are now part of the wild. 
Despite their cute appearance, these animals can carry diseases and pack a powerful punch. Zoologists have urged people to be careful of these creatures and call the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) hotline if they are spotted.
At least 96 have been spotted in Derbyshire, Cornwall, Kent and the Chiltern Hills west of London over the past 15 years. 
On Friday evening, Devon and Cornwall Police received reports of an injured wallaby on the A39 at St Columb's, near Newquay. The animal had been hit by a car and could not be saved.
John Meek, a spokesman for Newquay Zoo, said: "From the images on social media it appears to be a red-necked wallaby, which could theoretically survive in Cornwall. The only danger is cars." 
Local resident Danny Johnson said: "The wallaby and his kind were jumping between the cars. At first we didn't understand what was happening. My friend got out of the car to look around and then we saw these jumping paws. We were just confused. Then the kangaroo or wallaby started coming towards us. It was just a shock because you don't expect to see that, at least not in Cornwall." 
Wallabies eat grass, roots, and leaves. They can carry diseases that are transmitted to other species and humans, such as salmonella. 
The Queensland government website warns: "If you find yourself in an area where kangaroos or wallabies live, try to keep your distance. Do not approach the animal closely and simply observe it. If it approaches you or shows signs of aggression, move away. Do not act aggressively towards kangaroos or wallabies, as this will only reinforce their belief that you are a threat."
