Following last week's story about Lewis Dyer and the kangaroo attack at Valla Beach, the family want to emphasise the boys were not posing any direct threat to the animals but that this national icon can nonetheless be dangerous.
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The Office of Environment and Heritage have a page on their website warning people to be aware of kangaroos.
It includes the following information:
"The greatest risk is in areas where people have altered kangaroos' natural habitat and feeding patterns.
Kangaroo attacks may occur where:
- their numbers, movements and group structure have changed because kangaroos' natural predators are no longer present
- new habitat has been provided with the creation of dams, shelter and pastures
- kangaroos have lost their instinctive fear of humans because people have fed or handled them
- a kangaroo sees a person as a sparring partner or threat to themselves, their offspring or their dominance of the group . a kangaroo is cornered or startled
- . female kangaroos are weaning their young . a habituated kangaroo (a kangaroo who is used to people) has aggressive traits.
A kangaroo will attack a person as if they were another kangaroo. It may push or grapple with its fore paws or sit back and kick out with its hind legs. As resulting injuries can be serious, avoiding conflict with kangaroos is vital."
The information continues that if you feel threatened by a kangaroo, move well clear, trying not to attract the kangaroo's attention ...
"Keep your head and arms low. Wait until the kangaroo has moved away before continuing on your way. If you need to, carefully retreat in a crouched or crawling position to a safe location or distance away. If you can, position an object such as a tree or fence between you and the kangaroo and call for help."
Report incidents to the Coffs Harbour office of the National Parks and Wildlife Service on 6652 0900.
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Ute Schulenberg
Journalism was always my plan but plans being what they are, I did not get to realise it until my early 40s ... and have loved every minute since. For me community journalism is the most intimate and honest place to be in this field - telling the stories of people I live with, side-by-side, every day. It is an honour.
Journalism was always my plan but plans being what they are, I did not get to realise it until my early 40s ... and have loved every minute since. For me community journalism is the most intimate and honest place to be in this field - telling the stories of people I live with, side-by-side, every day. It is an honour.
