The potential dangers posed by kangaroos is under the spotlight following a nasty attack in New South Wales.
A large eastern gray kangaroo attacked children and adults at a soccer field in a Jervis Bay school last week. Among those injured was an eight-year-old boy, who needed 20 stitches, and a pregnant woman, who was kicked in the stomach.
Both were taken to hospital. Booderee National Park services manager Dr Martin Fortescue says the kangaroo was growling, charging at people and appeared disturbed. ”There’s a heap of kangaroos around here, it’s one of the great joys that there’s so much wildlife really,” he told the Canberra Times. ”I think people do forget, they look cute and cuddly, but they are wildlife, and they can be unpredictable.”
Dr Fortescue said the behaviour was strange for the young kangaroo, but said it may have viewed the children like other roos, and began acting territorially. Rangers and police have been searching the area and plan to destroy the kangaroo if they find it.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service said kangaroos were considered dangerous and its policy was to educate people on avoiding conflict. The statement added a licence to destroy a kangaroo was a last resort that was only issued after there was demonstrated aggressive behaviour exhibited or an attack.
