Today state outdoor transportation life officials are celebrating the safe capture, relocation, and release of a local left lane camper onto Highway 99 after it had somehow dangerously scampered onto Interstate 5.
“Don’t know what the little feller was doing all the way over there, especially in the fast lane when its average speed is never more than 50 mph,” said State Patrol Trooper Jake Evans. “Fortunately, we spotted him, captured him in a catch-and-release semi, and were able to set him free tonight where he’s free to go 40 mph to his heart’s content.”
Although scary to see left lane campers like the Subarus Forestus wandering urban interstate freeways, Trooper Evans says this time of season it’s not uncommon to see them out and about this time of year.
“We have to remember they’re endemic to this area, this is their habitat, and sometimes they’re gonna wander where they please to feed and mate, including the I-5 fast lane even if the slow lane is completely wide open,” Trooper Evans said. “It’ll be safer and happier for everyone now that he’s over here on Aurora stopping at red lights about every minute or so. As long as he can steer clear of being frightened to death by merging lanes, he’ll be fine.”
As a safety reminder for everyone, Washington State Patrol officials warned local freeway drivers to leave them alone if they spot them this travel-heavy Labor Day Weekend and to always give them a lot of space so they always have an easy path of escape.
