Escaped Zebra Causes Chaos
A zebra is on the run in Tennessee, and residents are stunned as the exotic animal gallops through quiet suburban neighborhoods and rush-hour traffic alike, creating chaos and confusion across the Mount Juliet area, just east of Nashville.
The zebra, believed to be a privately owned pet, escaped from a local home earlier this week and has eluded capture ever since. Video footage and eyewitness accounts have flooded social media, showing the black-and-white striped animal trotting past homes, slipping through yards, and sprinting down the side of Interstate 40 — one of the busiest roads in the state.
Caught on Camera: Zebra Causes Traffic Mayhem
On Tuesday morning, the situation escalated dramatically when the zebra was spotted on Interstate 40, prompting officials to shut down multiple lanes of traffic. Dashcam videos from startled commuters show the animal weaving between vehicles and galloping down the shoulder as emergency responders scrambled to intervene.
“I’ve lived in Tennessee my whole life, and I’ve seen a lot of strange things,” said Anthony Giles, a Nashville-area delivery driver. “But a zebra running down the interstate? That’s definitely a first.”
The Tennessee Department of Transportation confirmed that eastbound lanes of I-40 were briefly closed between Exits 226 and 232 to ensure the safety of drivers and to give animal control officers a chance to corner the animal. Despite their best efforts, the zebra evaded them once again, darting off into nearby woods.
Owner Under Scrutiny
The zebra is reportedly one of several exotic animals kept by a Mount Juliet resident. While Tennessee law allows the ownership of zebras under specific permits, this incident is reigniting debate over the regulation of non-native species kept as pets.
Authorities have not yet released the name of the animal’s owner, but they confirm the individual is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is now assisting local law enforcement and animal control in the search and in reviewing whether proper containment measures were in place at the property.
“This is a serious situation,” said TWRA spokesperson Lindsay Moore. “Exotic animals require secure enclosures, proper care, and contingency planning for exactly this kind of escape. We’re looking into whether state codes were properly followed.”
According to neighbors, this isn’t the first time unusual animals have been spotted at the residence. One neighbor claimed they once saw a small kangaroo on the property and that the sound of animals could often be heard late at night.
Residents on Alert
The zebra’s escape has turned into a community spectacle, with residents flocking to social media to share their own zebra sightings and theories on its next move. The animal has been spotted in several residential neighborhoods, including Hickory Hills and Del Webb, where homeowners reported seeing it nibbling on grass and hiding behind shrubs.
Schools in the area sent out precautionary alerts to parents, although there’s no indication the animal poses a direct threat to the public.
Local animal rescue volunteer Brenda Carter says the zebra’s behavior is typical of a stressed animal. “It’s scared. It’s running because it’s confused and trying to find safety. The longer it’s out there, the more dehydrated and vulnerable it becomes.”
Authorities have warned residents not to approach or attempt to capture the zebra, reminding the public that while zebras resemble horses, they can be highly unpredictable. “Zebras are wild animals and can kick with great force if they feel cornered or threatened,” said Police Chief James Hambrick.
The Search Effort Grows
By Wednesday, a joint task force involving Mount Juliet police, TWRA officials, animal control, and even volunteers had been formed to track down the zebra. Drones, wildlife cameras, and bait stations have been deployed around the escape area to monitor movement and lure the animal to safety.
“We’re doing everything we can to find this zebra and bring it home unharmed,” said Officer Dana McClain. “It’s a delicate operation. We want to avoid stressing the animal further.”
Meanwhile, the zebra — which locals have affectionately nicknamed “Stripes” — has become something of a local legend. T-shirts, memes, and even a parody Twitter account (@RunStripesRun) have surfaced, turning the runaway animal into a viral sensation.
Exotic Animal Laws Under the Microscope
This incident has renewed calls for tighter laws regarding exotic animal ownership in Tennessee. While state law does regulate ownership of Class I dangerous animals such as lions or bears, zebras fall into a gray area and are considered Class III wildlife — not inherently dangerous to humans and therefore permitted with minimal oversight.
Animal rights groups are now urging lawmakers to consider legislation requiring more stringent containment standards and emergency protocols.
“This is a wake-up call,” said Humane Tennessee director Maria Greene. “Just because something isn’t a tiger or a crocodile doesn’t mean it should be kept in someone’s backyard. Zebras are wild animals — not pets.”
What Happens Next?
As of this morning, the zebra remains at large. Authorities believe the animal is still within a few square miles of its original escape site, hiding in wooded areas and foraging for food. They remain hopeful that with the help of tracking tools and community vigilance, the zebra can be found safely and humanely.
“We ask the public to remain patient, keep their eyes open, and most importantly, don’t try to approach the zebra,” said TWRA’s Lindsay Moore. “It may be charming to see, but it’s still a scared animal that doesn’t belong in city streets.”
Until then, Mount Juliet remains on zebra watch — waiting, watching, and wondering where the next sighting of Stripes will be.
