DODGEVILLE, Wis. -- Some people didn't believe there was really a 150-pound red kangaroo loose in Iowa County after drivers reported seeing it hopping in and out of traffic on Highway 151, just south of Dodgeville, Monday night.

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Kangaroo Captured Kangaroo On The Loose

But now it's been located and captured, and none too soon. Some feared the kangaroo would freeze to death.

Iowa County deputies got a call from rural resident Janelle Simpson who spotted it near her farm Wednesday morning. Using a few apple slices as bait, they lured the kangaroo into a horse barn. Officials had been prepared to use a tranquilizer gun, but they didn't need to.

Dodgeville Fire Chief Jeff Weber said it was easier than getting a cat out of a tree.

"Extremely," he said.

The kangaroo is now at Villas Zoo in Madison. They'll keep the kangaroo in quarantine for at least 30 days and assess its health, which right now looks very good.

The kangaroo is valued at $5,000. So far, no one has reported her missing.

On Tuesday, News 3's Joel DeSpain spent the day in Iowa County trying to help find the kangaroo. At one point, he thought he spotted it. But it turned out to be a cat.

Former sheriff's deputy Cheryl Martens last saw the kangaroo jumping into the woods on Monday at an estimated 30 mph.

"I still can't believe we saw it," Martens said. "It's just incredible."

Officials warn if you see a kangaroo in the wild, do not pet it, police said. They can be dangerous. Kangaroos generally try to avoid people, but could become aggressive if cornered.

SLIDESHOW: See More Kangaroo Pictures