Buzz
Effective methods to protect yourself from the ultimate bouncer
Kangaroos might seem adorable at first glance, but encountering an aggressive one in the wild can result in serious harm. Fortunately, kangaroo attacks are rare, and there are ways to escape safely. Keep reading to discover how to defend yourself from an angry kangaroo, prevent an attack, and understand the likelihood of facing an aggressive one during your adventures.
How to Defend Yourself from a Kangaroo Attack
Engaging with any wild animal, especially a kangaroo, is never advisable. If you find yourself under threat by one, try to appear submissive by coughing softly and avoiding direct eye contact. If an attack occurs, curl into a fetal position and protect your head with your arms.
Defense Steps
How to Protect Yourself from a Kangaroo
Face the kangaroo without making eye contact. While it's important to never turn your back on a kangaroo nearby, avoid staring directly at it. Although running may seem like an option, always ensure you're facing the animal, maintaining a steady position to avoid provoking it.
Lower your arms and head to clear the area. If the kangaroo is unaware of your presence or isn't paying attention, crouch down and lower both your arms and head. If possible, make a safe exit from the situation or wait for the kangaroo to move on before continuing your way.
- Use natural barriers like fences or trees to shield yourself as you retreat. Place yourself behind them to keep a safe distance between you and the kangaroo.
Let out a quick, deep cough if a kangaroo approaches. Male kangaroos may display signs of dominance if they view you as a threat, such as urinating, moving on all fours, or displaying aggressive behavior. To signal submission, emit a low, fast cough, which communicates that you acknowledge their authority.
- Failure to cough may lead the kangaroo to perceive you as a challenger, which you certainly don’t want to encourage.
Move away on your hands and knees or wait for the kangaroo to leave. If the kangaroo is obstructing your path, you have two options: turn around or wait for it to move. If you're concerned about your safety, crawl on your hands and knees to minimize your profile, appearing less threatening to the kangaroo.
- If possible, place a tree or fence between you and the kangaroo as you move away.
- Don’t attempt to squeeze past the kangaroo—allow it to leave on its own.
Protect yourself by curling into the fetal position if a kangaroo attacks. If a kangaroo is determined to fight, your best defense is to safeguard your head and vital organs, rather than fighting back. Drop to the ground immediately, tuck your knees to your chest, and shield your head with your arms. Wait for the kangaroo to move away before attempting to escape.
- Though difficult, try to stay silent while the kangaroo is attacking. In 2017, an Australian woman was ambushed by a kangaroo while she was out for a jog. The kangaroo backed off when she stopped making noise during the attack.
How to Avoid a Kangaroo Attack
Bring a stick or long object with you when you take a walk. If a kangaroo starts moving toward you, extend the stick or long item to increase the distance between you and the animal.
- Note: Never strike or harm a kangaroo. Kangaroos are protected species in Australia, so harming them is against the law.
Keep your pets away from kangaroos. Kangaroos are not fond of dogs, and encountering one can trigger their fight response. If you spot a kangaroo while walking with your dog, go in the opposite direction to avoid a confrontation.
Do not feed kangaroos that you come across. While kangaroos may seem cute from a distance, they are wild animals and should not be fed by humans. In fact, many kangaroo encounters happen because they have lost their natural fear of humans due to previous interactions.
- If you want to interact with kangaroos safely, consider visiting a petting zoo where supervised encounters take place.
- Don’t leave food or water on your property in hopes of attracting kangaroos. Feeding them leads to more interactions and can make them act aggressively.
Walk in a group rather than alone (ideally during the day). The buddy system is a smart approach when walking outdoors, especially when kangaroos are nearby. If you plan on heading out, exercise extra caution during dawn or dusk, as these are the times when kangaroos are most active while foraging for food.
Allow kangaroos to leave at their own pace. If you spot a kangaroo in your vicinity, such as in your yard, don’t attempt to chase it away—it could provoke the kangaroo into defensive behavior. Instead, simply wait for the kangaroo to leave on its own.
Never approach an injured kangaroo. Finding an injured kangaroo, particularly one that might have been hit by a vehicle, can be distressing. However, the best way to help is by contacting a ranger to provide the proper care.
- If you come across an injured kangaroo, contact WA Wildlife at 9417 7105 for assistance.
Avoid getting too close to mother kangaroos and their joeys. It’s always a bad idea to approach any wild mother and her babies—and kangaroos are no exception. You definitely don’t want to provoke a protective mother kangaroo!
Keep your distance from kangaroos in mating season. Male kangaroos often circle female kangaroos during their mating rituals and may touch or sniff the female. If you notice this behavior, steer clear—male kangaroos in this state are not to be approached!
Avoid engaging with fighting kangaroos. Male kangaroos sometimes square off with each other in a battle for dominance. While it might be interesting to observe, you definitely don’t want to be anywhere near an aggressive kangaroo. Take our word for it—stay clear of the action!
Do kangaroos attack humans?
While rare, kangaroos can attack humans. According to the Office of Environment & Heritage in New South Wales, Australia, fewer than five people are injured by kangaroos annually in the state. This is quite remarkable, given that more than 8,100,000 people live in New South Wales! Although kangaroo attacks do occur, they are infrequent and not typical in Australia.
- Fun fact: Kangaroos are herbivores, meaning they do not eat meat. So, while being attacked by one would be scary, you don’t need to worry about becoming its dinner.
Important Warnings
- Under no circumstances should you physically confront a wild animal. Always prioritize your safety by adopting a passive and cautious approach during any encounter with a kangaroo.
