'A sight to see': Neighbors spot wallaby hopping around western NC community

A Gastonia man saw a wallaby hopping around his neighborhood Monday, giving the animal brief stint of fame on social media.

The animal was seen in the Lineberger Park neighborhood Monday afternoon. People in the area said they've seen all kinds of wildlife around but this was the first Australian marsupial that's been seen hanging out in the Gaston County suburbs.

"Man, it's not every day you step out your front door and see a wallaby hopping around," TJ Sutton told WCNC Charlotte. "My neighbor across the street called me and sent me a picture of it. Me and my little boy walked out and saw it. It's a sight to see in Gastonia. It's pretty neat."

Local wildlife officers were able to rescue the wallaby before it got into any danger.