Their bodies may be human-sized, but make no mistake, kangaroos are six to seven times stronger than we are. A single kick can deliver a force of over 320 kg (700 lb), enough to shatter your bones and damage your vital organs. Not to mention they have razor-sharp claws that can shred your flesh in a second.
Kangaroo Island, sits off the southern coast of Australia. It’s just one-third the size of Sydney, the country’s capital, but it’s home to over 65,000 kangaroos. And these hoppy creatures aren’t the only dangers you need to watch out for here. If the venomous snakes don’t kill you, then there’s another massive threat right around the corner that’s so powerful it could destroy the entire island.
Luckily for you, we know just what it takes to make it home alive. So pay attention, and whatever you do, don’t bring your dog along for the ride.
STEP 1: Crouch Down
Let’s go back to the crowd of angry kangaroos surrounding you. Interestingly, the one thing you have in common with them could now get you killed: your upright posture.
Standing straight and confident won’t intimidate these jumping bodybuilders. They’ll probably start attacking you with their powerful legs, arms and sharp claws if they feel threatened.
The best thing to do is to crouch down and start backing away slowly without turning your back on them. But if they’ve chosen violence, your only chance of survival is to curl up in a ball to protect your head and vital organs – and hope they’ll stop attacking when they realize you’re not a threat.
STEP 2: Leave pets at home
Another thing that infuriates kangaroos is dogs, which are among their main predators, just like dingoes. If your pet gets too close to them they will most likely attack, but they can also do it without provocation.
In 2004, the Australian government had to issue an alert about angry kangaroos after one of them attacked a woman and killed her dog. Now if, instead of attacking you, the kangaroo runs away, don’t let your pet follow it: it’s a trap.
STEP 3: Stay Out of the Water
Another kangaroo strategy for killing predators is to run toward bodies of water. If a wild animal chases them into the water, they will use their powerful arms and legs to drown them. So it’s best to leave dogs at home and stay away from the water.
STEP 4: Slow Down
Kangaroo Island is inhabited by fewer than 5,000 people, yet the place is no stranger to serious car accidents. On average, at least one person is killed in a car accident each year, and 81 others are injured.
Unsealed roads, rough terrain and disregard for driving regulations are just a few of the reasons for these accidents, but extreme weather conditions and wild animal crossings make driving on the island considerably more dangerous.
Accidents involving kangaroos can be fatal for both the animal and the people in the car. Between 2000 and 2019, Australia recorded six human deaths due to car accidents involving kangaroos. Unfortunately, kangaroos are among the most common hit animals. Between 2018 and 2019, nearly 8,000 of them were involved in car accidents across Australia. Slow down and watch out.
STEP 5: Watch your step
Not only is the island teeming with giant mammals, it’s also home to deadly snakes. Like the tiger snake, one of the world’s deadliest species.
They are very difficult to identify, as not all of them have the dark brown and yellow stripes that give them their name. But don’t worry, if they want to attack you, you’ll notice. When they feel threatened, they warn you by flattening their heads and necks like cobras and lifting their bodies up off the ground. If you see this, don’t make any sudden movements. Back away slowly.
If a tiger snake bites you, things can get very nasty. Their venom contains neurotoxins, myotoxins and procoagulants that will paralyze your body, prevent your blood from clotting and damage your tissues.
You’ll need to lie down, stay calm and move as little as possible. Keep the bitten limb below heart level. Bandage it as tightly as you can and immediately call for help, there’s an antivenom that could save your life.
STEP 6: Beware the Black Summer
Prolonged drought and heat waves led to huge bushfires during 2019 and 2020 across Australia, a season sadly remembered as Black Summer. On Kangaroo Island, fire consumed over 40% of the island’s vegetation, killing wildlife, and two people.
In the years that have passed, the community has been rebuilding the island, and with tourism increasing, it should soon be back to its best shape. If you plan on visiting, just remember that the area is prone to wildfires. Avoid bushfire season, which peaks from December to May.
