A timely warning !

The Kangaroo features on our national coat of arms and most Australians see them as harmless native animals.   It comes as something of a shock to learn that a group of these marsupials attacked a thirteen year old girl jogging in a Hunter Valley national park, resulting in her needing treatment at hospital.

The presence of Kangaroos was common to those using the park for exercise and when this girl saw a group of three ahead of her she expected they would move off the trail - as was the usual experience.   Instead, they held their ground and when she passed them they started to bare their teeth and make hissing noises.

Two attacked, hitting her legs with their massive hind feet and mauling and pulling her hair with their fore paws.   Her screams attracted other park users and when help arrived the Kangaroos made a hasty departure.

This is an unusual - but not rare incident.   Golfers sometimes find Kangaroos that are not prepared to let them use the putting surface.  In this instance, the Eastern Greys involved saw this girl as intruding into their " space " - and acted accordingly.

Wild life experts think it likely that this attack can be attributed to the mating season.   Male Kangaroos become aggressive when they are competing for the favour of females in the herd and this aggression can be carried over to anyone or anything that distracts them from the task in hand.

It is a timely warning to all people who come into contact with Kangaroos, whether it be on Golf courses or in rambles through the bush.   They are formidable animals - in many cases much bigger than the average human - and they are equipped with formidable weapons.    There is huge strength in those rear legs and they are quite capable of using their fore paws to hold a victim - and rake the body to the point of disembowelment with their sharp toes.

This jogger was lucky.   The attack was brief - and mild.   People encountering Kangaroos would be wise to carefully read the signs of attitude these animals present to the world.     If they move out of the way well before the approach, all is well.    But if they stand their ground - or show signs of displeasure - those are clear warning signs that should not be disregarded.