A man has been seriously injured after being attacked by a hulking kangaroo in Queensland. The man, believed to be in his 50s, was involved in an altercation with a two-meter-tall kangaroo at his home on Little Gem Rd, Willows, just before noon on Wednesday. During this unsettling encounter, he sustained severe hip injuries along with lacerations to his arms and chest, as reported by the Queensland Ambulance Service.
Initially, he was taken to Emerald Hospital and was later airlifted by the Royal Flying Doctor Service to Rockhampton Hospital, where he is now recovering.
Rick Underhill, the First Officer-in-Charge at the Willows Rural Fire Brigade, recounted the chilling events following the attack. "He came out of his house, walked around to get... and the buck bloody attacked him and really attacked him in a big way," Underhill said. It was shortly after the man exited his residence and attempted to drive to the store when he encountered two kangaroos—one male and one female. While the female quickly fled, the male kangaroo turned and ferociously attacked the man.
Underhill estimated this male kangaroo to weigh at least 100kg, emphasizing the unusual nature of such attacks. "It made a hell of a mess of this poor man... it’s damaged him really badly," he stated firmly. This incident is particularly alarming for Underhill, who has lived and worked in the area for over 13 years and mentions, "This bastard wasn’t provoked... I’ve never seen anyone attacked before. I spent 20 years in the army, and I’ve never seen a roo attack someone before."
Following the incident, local authorities have issued warnings about the two large male kangaroos roaming the area, advising residents to remain vigilant. "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 upon themselves to attack people," said Underhill. He cautioned residents, especially the elderly, to avoid outdoor activities where they might encounter wildlife.
The kangaroo’s aggressive behavior is unusual but not entirely unfounded. According to wildlife experts, kangaroos can become dangerous if they feel threatened or cornered. Interestingly, their bite force is comparable to some of the more ferocious mammals. They possess the same bite force as a grizzly bear at 975 PSI, which is about six times stronger than the average human bite, and their paws can exert incredible force as well.
This recent attack has stirred considerable concern among locals, many of whom are unaccustomed to the threat posed by these animals. Many residents use the area for morning walks and exercise, which now raises the issue of how these interactions with wildlife may become hazardous, particularly as Underhill warns, "Stay at home and don’t go out."
This incident follows other rare but notable kangaroo attacks, reminding us all how important it is to respect wildlife habitats and remain aware of the risks involved. The kangaroo, often perceived as harmless or cuddly, has now demonstrated its potential for aggression, especially when provoked or startled.
Despite the fear instilled within the community, Underhill is hopeful for the man's quick recovery and emphasizes the need for protective measures. He has even suggested to local officials the necessity of removing the two kangaroos responsible for the attack, stating, "These are big bast—ds; they're powerful and very aggressive."
Such actions could mark the beginning of heightened awareness about wildlife interactions as authorities assess not only the plight of residents but also the nature of wildlife within the region. Underhill's appeals to the government reflect broader concerns about ensuring safety within communities living near wildlife habitats.