Kangaroo tries to ‘drown a man in floodwater after throwing punches at him’

A kangaroo ‘tried to drown’ a man in floodwaters in a terrifying encounter that could only happen in Australia.

Don James lived to tell the tale – and warn others – after getting into a full-blown fist fight with the marsupial on Friday morning.

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.

Don found himself fighting for his life after the animal started punching him on the side of a road.

The man tried to defend himself, but the kangaroo floored him and then forced his head under floodwater.

Don described the encounter as ‘pretty traumatic’, telling ABC Australia: ‘I just remember being under water and kicking and screaming and carrying on.’

He managed to flee as the kangaroo became spooked by an approaching car and ran away.

Kristy Lees witness the whole incident unfold on the Shoreline Drive as she was driving past.

She said: ‘The kangaroo leapt at our car and then tried to come at the car.

‘Then it saw Don about 30 metres away … and they got into an altercation.

‘They started punching each other – the kangaroo started punching him.’

Local wildlife rescue FAUNA’s Kym Kilpatrick said when wild animals are distressed – which they would be during a flood event – and perceive a threat they can demonstrate unusual behaviours.

She urged people to remain cautious in their approach and put their safety first.

Kangaroos are known to sometimes try and drown their foes. It is a rare – but potentially fatal – defensive behaviour.

When threatened, especially by dogs or other predators, kangaroos may retreat into water.

If the pursuer follows, they may use their strong arms to hold the attacker underwater.

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