A young kangaroo is recovering after being found hanging by its feet in a suspected snare beneath an electricity pylon near Melbourne, a disturbing discovery that has prompted a police report and raised fresh concern about wildlife safety on the city’s expanding urban fringe.
The kangaroo was discovered on Tuesday on unused industrial land near AusNet’s South Morang Terminal Station, about 20 kilometres northeast of Melbourne. Wildlife rescue volunteer Leonie Sorrentino was called to the scene after the animal was found trapped below the tower.
Rescuers say the suspected device involved heavy-duty rope, a brick and timber planks with upward-facing nails. The matter has been reported to Victoria Police, while wildlife carers are now monitoring the animal’s recovery.
What rescuers found near South Morang
According to the rescue account, a length of rope had been thrown or tied around part of the electricity pylon roughly five metres above the ground. The rope was arranged into a loop and connected around a brick, creating what rescuers believe acted as a tightening snare.
When the young kangaroo moved through the loop, its legs became caught. As it struggled to escape, the rope tightened and left the animal suspended by its feet.
Two hammers were found near the scene. Rescuers also reported old pallet wood placed around the area with sharp nails facing upward, creating an added risk for wildlife, pets, rescuers or anyone entering the land.
The surrounding site was described as rough and difficult to access, with blackberry growth and clumps of phalaris grass. Phalaris can poison kangaroos and may affect their coordination, making already hazardous terrain even more dangerous for animals moving through the area.
Kangaroo likely trapped for hours before rescue
Rescuers believe the kangaroo may have been trapped for several hours before it was found. By the time volunteers reached the animal, its legs had suffered damage from the rope and repeated attempts to free itself.
Sorrentino said the kangaroo was still trying to move when rescuers approached, but it was completely trapped and unable to escape without help.
The animal was collected by a volunteer from Murrundindi Wildlife Shelter, where it is receiving specialist care. Early updates indicated the kangaroo was not yet standing, although its feet remained warm, which rescuers viewed as an encouraging sign for circulation.
The next stage of care will focus on whether the kangaroo can regain strength in its injured legs and recover from the trauma of being restrained and suspended.
Police report filed as community voices concern
The matter has been reported to Victoria Police. No suspect or motive has been publicly confirmed, and the case remains under investigation.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity in the South Morang area can contact Victoria Police or Crime Stoppers.
The discovery has shocked community members, with many expressing anger and concern over how such a device came to be placed in an area used by native wildlife. While online reaction has been emotional, authorities have not confirmed who was responsible or whether the device was intended specifically to harm kangaroos.
By Wednesday morning, the suspected trap had been neutralised, although materials linked to the scene reportedly remained on site. The City of Whittlesea advised that the items were located on private land. AusNet and police were contacted for comment.
Why wildlife on Melbourne’s edge is vulnerable
The South Morang site sits near expanding housing, industrial land and open habitat. Kangaroos often move through these fringe areas searching for food, shelter and safe passage as development changes the landscape around them.
Even without suspected traps, kangaroos in outer Melbourne face risks from vehicles, fencing, construction activity, toxic plants and discarded materials. A hidden rope loop and exposed nails add another layer of danger in a place where animals may naturally pass through.
The incident also raises a wider public safety issue. Loose timber, sharp nails, rope and bricks beneath electricity infrastructure could injure pets, children, walkers, maintenance workers or emergency volunteers responding to an animal rescue.
Community safety has been a recurring concern across Australia this week, including a Telstra outage that disrupted trains, card payments and phone services across parts of Australia. While unrelated, both incidents show how unexpected hazards can quickly affect residents, responders and essential services.
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Investigation continues as carers monitor recovery
The rescued kangaroo remains under the care of Murrundindi Wildlife Shelter while wildlife carers monitor whether it regains full use of its injured legs. Its recovery will depend on circulation, tissue damage and how well it responds to treatment after the ordeal.
Wildlife groups commonly urge residents to report injured native animals, dangerous debris or suspicious objects in parks, reserves and open land as soon as possible. Early reporting can improve survival chances and help authorities remove hazards before more animals are affected.
Victoria Police have not announced any arrests or identified a suspect in the South Morang case. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine how the suspected snare came to be placed beneath the electricity pylon.
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