Australia’s iconic, cute, cuddly, hop-along creatures might not be as friendly as you think they are. Kangaroos have a dangerous side. They can be very aggressive if they’re searching for food or think you pose a threat to them or their families.
But can a kangaroo kill you? What makes them such dangerous boxers? And how fast can they come after you?
Between 1999 and 2002, kangaroos attacked at least 15 people, and those are just the attacks that got reported. Since then, there have been other attacks in different regions of Australia.
So if you find yourself face-to-face with a kangaroo and you want to survive, follow these steps.
Step 1: Protect your body
If a kangaroo approaches you, turn your body sideways. Raise your hands and turn your head away from the animal. Its punches are packed with very sharp claws that can rip apart your flesh. You’ll want to keep a narrow profile to protect your body and vital organs from the roo’s powerful kicks.
The kangaroo’s family name is Macropodidae, which means big feet. Their big feet, combined with their powerful hind legs, are so strong that they can break your bones.
In 2018, a kangaroo attacked a family in Queensland, Australia. They were feeding the kangaroo when it became aggressive and attacked. They tried to fend it off using a broom and shovel, but it didn’t work. Linda Smith, a kangaroo caretaker, suffered a collapsed lung, broken ribs, abrasions to her arms and legs, and other internal injuries that required surgery. Her husband sustained multiple lacerations, and her son got minor injuries. The kangaroo quickly escaped after the attack.
Step 2: No dogs
Sorry dog lovers, but don’t bring your pet into kangaroo territories. Kangaroos do not share your love of dogs and have attacked dogs and their owners.
The heaviest kangaroos are male red kangaroos, which weigh up to 90 kg (200 lb). Some kangaroos, depending on their species, can grow up to 2.8 m (7 ft) tall. So an attack probably wouldn’t end well for your dog, and you could get caught in the crossfire.
Step 3: Distance yourself
Practice social distancing with kangaroos, and use whatever you can from your surroundings to act as a blockade. Slowly retreat, but do not turn your back and run. A kangaroo can quickly chase you down, kicking as it hops. The red kangaroo is the fastest jumper, bouncing along at up to 56 km/h (35 mph).
If a kangaroo aims to fight you, you’ll be able to tell. It’ll begin to show dominance by pulling out grass, rubbing its chest on the ground, and tensing its muscles.
Step 4: Submit
Act submissive. Don’t look it in the eye, stay low, and back yourself away. Do your best ‘roo imitation—a quick, forceful grunt will do the trick, since it’s that type of behavior male kangaroos use to assert themselves in the wild.
If you get attacked, curl up in a ball and wait for help. Kangaroos are vegetarians, so they’re not interested in eating you. They’re only going to attack you if you bother them or have some food they want. If you give up and show defeat, they might back off.
As more people try to get cute pictures while feeding kangaroos, the number of attacks has increased. Although the last recorded death was in 1936, many people have ended up with deep gashes after these encounters.
So the best way to avoid any danger from a fierce kangaroo attack is to steer clear of these unusual marsupials in the first place. They are so exotic and cute. But from what we just learned, cuteness doesn’t mean an animal will be gentle.
