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\n\t\tWhen kangaroos are distressed, they are known to exhibit out-of-the-ordinary behaviour (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tWhen kangaroos are distressed, they are known to exhibit out-of-the-ordinary behaviour (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
A kangaroo \u2018tried to drown\u2019 a man in floodwaters in a terrifying encounter that could only happen in Australia<\/a>.<\/p>\n Don James lived to tell the tale \u2013 and warn others \u2013 after getting into a full-blown fist fight with the marsupial on Friday morning.<\/p>\n The incident happened in Port Macquarie, one of the cities which has been hit by record-breaking flood. At least seven deaths have been reported and more than 50,000 remain isolated.<\/p>\n Don found himself fighting for his life after the animal started punching him on the side of a road.<\/p>\n The man tried to defend himself, but the kangaroo floored him and then forced his head under floodwater.<\/p>\n Don described the encounter as \u2018pretty traumatic\u2019, telling ABC Australia<\/a>: \u2018I just remember being under water and kicking and screaming and carrying on.\u2019<\/p>\n He managed to flee as the kangaroo became spooked by an approaching car and ran away.<\/p>\n Kristy Lees\u00a0witness the whole incident unfold on the Shoreline Drive as she was driving past.<\/p>\n She said: \u2018The kangaroo leapt at our car and then tried to come at the car.<\/p>\n \u2018Then it saw Don about 30 metres away \u2026 and they got into an altercation.<\/p>\n \u2018They started punching each other \u2013 the kangaroo started punching him.\u2019<\/p>\n Local wildlife rescue FAUNA\u2019s\u00a0Kym Kilpatrick\u00a0said when wild animals are distressed \u2013 which they would be during a flood event \u2013 and perceive a threat they can demonstrate unusual behaviours.<\/p>\n She urged people to remain cautious in their approach and put their safety first.<\/p>\n Kangaroos are known to sometimes try and drown their foes. It is a rare \u2013 but potentially fatal \u2013 defensive behaviour.<\/p>\n When threatened, especially by dogs or other predators, kangaroos may retreat into water. <\/p>\n If the pursuer follows, they may use their strong arms to hold the attacker underwater.<\/p>\n Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n For more stories like this, <\/strong>check our news page<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow
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