Kangaroos are powerful wild animals, and while encounters leading to aggression are uncommon, understanding how to respond can be important for safety. These marsupials, known for their strong hind legs and sharp claws, can inflict serious injury if they feel threatened or provoked.
Kangaroo Behavior and Warning Signs
Kangaroos are generally peaceful herbivores, but they can exhibit aggression under specific circumstances. Aggression is often triggered by a perceived threat to their safety, territory, or offspring. Male kangaroos, in particular, may view humans as rivals or sparring partners, especially during mating season when hormone levels are elevated. Habituation to humans, often due to feeding, can also lead to increased boldness and aggression if food is not provided.
Several behavioral cues can signal a kangaroo is becoming agitated. Warning signs include standing tall to appear larger, grunting or hissing sounds, growling, thumping their powerful hind feet on the ground, or even rubbing their chest and tensing muscles. These signals indicate the kangaroo feels threatened or is asserting dominance, and should be taken seriously as a precursor to potential aggression.
Avoiding Encounters
Proactive measures are effective for preventing confrontational situations with kangaroos. Maintaining a respectful distance is advisable, allowing the animals ample space to feel secure. Kangaroos are most active during dawn and dusk, so increased vigilance is beneficial during these times.
Never feeding kangaroos is a significant preventative step. Providing human food can cause nutritional imbalances and health problems like “Lumpy Jaw.” Feeding also habituates kangaroos, making them lose their natural wariness and potentially aggressive when expecting handouts. Avoiding sudden movements or startling them is also important, as kangaroos are naturally skittish. If a mother with a joey is encountered, avoid getting between them, as she will fiercely defend her young.
De-escalating an Approach
If a kangaroo approaches or shows mild signs of aggression, specific actions can help de-escalate the situation. Slowly increase the distance between yourself and the animal. Moving away deliberately and calmly is key, without turning your back or running, as this can trigger a chase response from the kangaroo, which can reach speeds of up to 56 km/h.
Appearing small and non-threatening can also help by crouching down, lowering your head, and keeping your arms close to your body. Avoiding direct eye contact is important, as prolonged staring can be interpreted as a challenge by the kangaroo. A short, deep cough can be used as a submissive signal, which kangaroos may interpret as a sign of inferiority, potentially pacifying an aggressive male. Placing a physical barrier, such as a tree or fence, between yourself and the kangaroo can provide a measure of safety as you retreat.
Defending Against an Attack
In the rare event that a kangaroo attack becomes imminent or has already begun, immediate defensive actions are necessary. Protect vital areas of the body, particularly the head, neck, and abdomen. Kangaroos primarily attack with powerful kicks from their hind legs, which possess sharp claws capable of causing serious injury.
If knocked to the ground, curl into a ball or assume a fetal position to shield vulnerable areas. Lie face down, using your arms to protect your head and neck, remaining calm and still until the animal loses interest and moves away. While not always effective, “playing dead” can sometimes cause the kangaroo to disengage. As a last resort, fighting back to deter the animal and create an escape opportunity may be necessary for survival. However, engaging in a physical confrontation is generally not recommended due to the kangaroo’s strength and weaponry.