Pet kangaroo attacks man, thwarts paramedics trying to save his life
A pet kangaroo has attacked its owner and then made the rather vindictive move of preventing paramedics from giving him with life-saving medical aid.
The man died as a result.
9News reported that the alpaca farmer, Peter Eades, 77, was fatally injured by his three-year-old pet marsupial on his farm in Redmond, Western Australia (WA).
Redmond is located about 400 kilometres south WA's capital city of Perth.
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After the elderly man was discovered by a family member they called emergency services.
Paramedics were delayed in arriving as they initially struggled to find the rural property.
But, when authorities eventually found the joint they were stopped in their tracks by the rogue roo.
Eventually, the kangaroo had to be put down by police so that emergency services could treat the man.
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Despite their best efforts, the 77-year-old Alpaca farmer died at the scene.
Australian Alpaca Association president Brett Fallon told 9News that Peter had dedicated his life to helping animals.
"His life has revolved around them for as long as I've known him," he told the outlet.
"[It's] dreadful to hear someone so compassionate for animals would lose his life this way."
Local resident Owen Houden said the tragedy had shaken the small town.
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"It's definitely a shock. I wouldn't expect something like this to happen, especially in Redmond," he said.
Fatal attacks are rare in kangaroos.
Peter's unfortunate incident with his own pet is the first reported death since 1936.
Kangaroo behaviour expert Graeme Coulson told ABC News that while they may seem cute and cuddly on the surface, these native Australian animals have many 'weapons' including their ‘sharp teeth’ and 'claws' that can easily cause a severe injury.
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"The problem with kangaroos and people is we're both upright animals, we stand on our two feet, and an upright stance like that is a challenge to the male kangaroo," he said.
"They don't distinguish between people and other kangaroos … and that gets particularly risky when the male grows, and becomes bigger and stronger, and then you can have problems like this."
Australian Reptile Park life science manager Hayley Shute also told Sky News that people need to remember just how dangerous these marsupials can be.
"I’ve seen it … male kangaroos taking each other on and fighting. Their nickname is the boxing kangaroo and that’s because they do kick. Their claws are really big, and they’re muscly," she said.
"Their bodies are built for this … they’re built for boxing and they’re built for battle in some cases.”
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So next time you're out bush and you see Skippy, just give him a wide berth.
Charisa Bossinakis