A shocking incident has taken place near Emerald, Queensland, where a man in his fifties has sustained severe injuries from a kangaroo attack. The event occurred on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, as the victim was approaching his vehicle outside his home located in Willows, approximately 300 kilometers west of Rockhampton.
According to the Queensland Ambulance Service, the man suffered serious injuries, including deep lacerations to his chest and arms. Following the attack, he was initially taken to Emerald Hospital and later airlifted to Rockhampton Hospital, where he is currently reported to be in stable condition.
Describing the quick and brutal nature of the encounter, Rick Underhill, the first officer in charge of the Willows Rural Fire Brigade, noted, "I got a message from fire comm asking to assist the Queensland Ambulance with a patient. I sent a crew down to give them a hand, and when they got down there … the poor man was in a hell of a mess." Underhill added, "He came out of his house...and there was a buck [male kangaroo] and doe [female kangaroo] there"; the doe fled, but the buck launched the attack, causing severe injuries.
The assault was described by witnesses and responders as unexpectedly violent. The male kangaroo, estimated to be around two meters tall and weighing close to 100 kilograms, is believed to have acted defensively when the man approached. Such aggressive behavior, though rare, can occur when kangaroos feel threatened.
This unfortunate incident has alarmed locals, who have grown accustomed to the presence of kangaroos without issues. Underhill expressed his disbelief at the attack, saying, "Normally, the kangaroos in town here are quite pleasant, and people feed them and think they're wonderful," adding, "These roos have been around here for years and we've never had a problem before, but unfortunately, these two big bucks have taken it in their heads to attack people."
Following the incident, authorities swiftly issued public warnings about the two male kangaroos, urging residents to exercise caution. A spokesperson from the Queensland government's Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation confirmed their involvement, stating, "Officers from the department have been in contact with local authorities to obtain more information...we urge people to stay away from kangaroos they see in the wild."
Historically, kangaroo attacks on humans are rare, but they can occur under certain conditions. A fatal attack was reported only last year, stemming from the actions of a kangaroo kept as a pet. The potential danger posed by these wild animals continues to be a concern for many, especially after such incidents.
The local community has voiced fears about the wild kangaroo population, with Underhill emphasizing the need for caution, particularly for the area's elderly residents who walk their dogs. He firmly stated, "Stay at home and don’t go out...these big bastards are powerful and very aggressive."
The Queensland Ambulance Service and the Willows Rural Fire Brigade worked collaboratively during the emergency response, ensuring the injured man received prompt care. Community leaders are now advocating for stronger measures to manage potentially aggressive kangaroos and are calling for more awareness among people living near these wild animals.
While kangaroo attacks are uncommon, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife interactions. Officials have been actively engaging with residents to discuss safety measures—especially since many people view kangaroos as harmless creatures, often leading to dangerous assumptions.
The central focus of community concern remains squarely on the aggressive behavior exhibited by the two bucks involved. Local officials are evaluating potential strategies to mitigate risks, including measures to potentially relocate or humanely manage the aggressive kangaroos.
The aftermath of this incident highlights the necessity for vigilance when it involves human-wildlife interactions. Authorities continue to remind the public: "This unfortunate incident is an important reminder. Stay away from kangaroos."