String fence leaves leaping kangaroo with a big headache

A kangaroo's famous skipping power came unstuck when it tripped over a length of string while crossing a highway.

The animal's ability to hop up to 3m couldn't prevent it from flying head over heels after its legs became entangled.

Video taken by a passer-by shows the marsupial cautiously approaching the central reservation of the highway.

It pauses where a stretch of road has been highlighted with string held by poles, marking the area for resurfacing.

Apparently weighing up the challenge for a few moments, the animal thinks it can tackle the obstacle ahead.

But as it skips forward footage shows how the hind legs become ensnared in the middle of the jump.

The kangaroo spins over 360 degrees and lands on his head in the middle of the road.

It recovers quickly and glances around as if embarrassed by the ungainly stumble.

Kangaroos can reach speeds of up to 68km/h in short bursts.