Unprecedented Attack: Man Reports Kangaroo 'Tried to Drown' Him in Australian

In a truly bizarre and harrowing incident that underscores the unpredictable dangers of Australia's wild landscape, especially in the grip of natural disaster, a man has reported being actively attacked and "tried to drown" by a large kangaroo in floodwaters on the New South Wales coast. This astonishing encounter, far removed from the typical image of kangaroos as benign grazers, has left the victim shaken and highlights the potential for wildlife to react aggressively when disoriented or threatened by extreme environmental conditions.
The encounter unfolded near Port Macquarie, an area recently affected by widespread flooding. The victim, identified as Don James, was reportedly walking along a flooded road when he was suddenly confronted by a substantial kangaroo. Witnesses described the marsupial as "really big," even "as big as the car" it was standing beside, and noted its agitated and aggressive demeanor. It is believed that the widespread flooding, which has displaced countless animals and disrupted their natural habitats, may have contributed to the kangaroo's unusual and violent behavior. Animals, like humans, can become disoriented, stressed, and defensive when their environment is drastically altered, and their usual escape routes are cut off.
According to accounts from a witness, Kristy Lees, who was driving nearby, the kangaroo initially charged at her vehicle, pawing at it before turning its attention to Mr. James. What followed was a confrontation that quickly escalated beyond a typical animal encounter. Ms. Lees recounted seeing the two "literally get into a boxing match," with both Mr. James and the kangaroo throwing punches. This initial physical struggle, while extraordinary, was only the precursor to the truly terrifying part of the ordeal.
As the altercation continued, Mr. James reportedly tripped and fell backward into a shallow patch of floodwater that had accumulated by the side of the road. It was at this critical moment that the kangaroo, seizing the opportunity, allegedly pinned him down in the water. Ms. Lees, realizing the gravity of the situation, urged her husband to intervene, shouting, "The kangaroo tried to drown the man! It had him under the water!" This chilling description paints a vivid picture of a deliberate act of aggression, a behavior known to kangaroos, but rarely, if ever, directed with such intensity towards a human. Kangaroos, particularly large males, have been known to lure predators into water and attempt to drown them as a defense mechanism, but such tactics against humans are exceedingly rare and deeply disturbing.
The terrifying struggle continued until the kangaroo, for reasons not entirely clear, appeared to be spooked. It is speculated that an approaching vehicle, driven by a friend of Mr. James, might have startled the animal, causing it to release its grip and flee. This momentary reprieve allowed Mr. James to escape the floodwaters and run towards Ms. Lees' car for safety, visibly shaken by the near-fatal encounter. "The kangaroo was trying to drown me," a bewildered Mr. James reportedly told Ms. Lees, still reeling from the traumatic experience. He later recounted to ABC that he remembered "being under water and kicking and screaming and carrying on," describing the experience as "pretty traumatic for a while there."
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the raw power and unpredictable nature of Australia's wildlife. While kangaroos are iconic symbols of the continent, their impressive size and powerful hind legs and claws make them formidable creatures, especially when threatened or cornered. Adult male kangaroos can stand over six feet tall and weigh upwards of 200 pounds, possessing immense strength capable of inflicting serious injury. The combination of their natural defensive instincts and the distress caused by the abnormal flood conditions likely created a perfect storm for this rare, aggressive interaction.
Authorities and wildlife experts are likely to be studying this incident closely. While attacks on humans are uncommon, they do occur, particularly when kangaroos feel threatened, are defending their young, or, as in this case, are disoriented by environmental factors. The ongoing floods across parts of Australia have significantly impacted wildlife, forcing animals into new territories and increasing their interactions with human populations. This particular event underscores the need for caution and awareness when encountering wildlife, especially in areas affected by natural disasters where animals may be under unusual stress.
For Don James, this will undoubtedly be a story he tells for the rest of his life – a brush with death at the hands (or rather, paws) of one of Australia's most beloved, yet surprisingly dangerous, native animals. It is a testament to the wild, untamed essence of the Australian landscape, where even familiar creatures can, under extreme circumstances, become agents of a terrifying and unforgettable encounter. The "kangaroo tried to drown me" will echo as a chilling anecdote, a vivid illustration of nature's raw power and unpredictability, and a unique tale of survival against an unlikely adversary in the midst of raging floodwaters.
Source@BBC