Do you think he really got picked up by a kangaroo?

Question

This dude I know who's from Australia said he was picked up by a kangaroo when he was 6 years old. I think he said it happened in his backyard, but I can't remember exactly. He said that if the kangaroo would have leaned back onto his tail, that he could have been ripped to shreds or something like that.


Do you think he's telling the truth? Please only answer if you know something about Australia/kangaroos.

THANKS!

Answer 1

i am Australian and to my knowledge they don't pick you up but yes they do lean back on there tail and yes they can rip your skin of they do have sharp nails and they kick.unless the roo is tame very unusual for it to just come up to you and do something.they do more damage to cars than people

Answer 2

I am a bit doubtful about his story of having been picked up by a kangaroo. Kangaroos just aren't built to be able to pick up anything. The second part about the kangaroo being able to cause some serious damage to a 6 year old is possible, though your mate would have had to have been pretty stupid to have let that happen.

Male kangaroos fight each other by standing on their hind legs, with their tail to balance them, and wrapping their (much smaller) front paws around each other's necks. They "box" as they try to get their front paws in place. Then they lean back onto their tail so they can get both hind feet off the ground and kick their opponents in the stomach. This youtube clip shows what I mean http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_NqulhmZWc

The blow from the hind legs can do a lot of damage to a human, especially a small one, but as the clip shows, its much more often just funny.

Answer 3

Male kangaroos can be quite vicious, especially during breeding season, and the way they normally fight or attack by balancing on their tale and kicking with their back legs. It is extremely dangerous and can possibly be deadly. People do get attacked by kangaroos as well (Not that often, but often enough that you need to be careful). So, that part of the story is probably true.

But the bit about being picked up by one is probably a lie. Kangaroos cant pick things up. Their arms arent made for it.

Answer 4

We do not pick up children, even not our big cousins the Red and Grey Kangaroos! Look at our forlegs: they're not made for that purpose.

The second point is correct. Some boxing with forelegs might occur, but the best weapon is kicking with the hindlegs; the sharp toenails can cause serious wounds. Anyway, we are not out for a Roo-to-Man fight and would rather jump away in most cases.

Answer 5

Kangaroos don't pick things up, they have forepaws, not hands. Kangaroo arms are unlikely to be strong enough to lift a six year old. Very few Australians have kangaroos in the back yard. If he lived in a city he almost certainly didn't. I have had the occasional eastern grey kangaroo in my backyard but I live out in the country.

Answer 6

How accurate are your memories as a 6 year old? A bit fuzzy? Not surprised!

The biggest object I have seen a kangaroo 'pick up' was a paper bag full of food pellets to feed them at a local farm.

Kangaroos can be quite dangerous and have been known to disembowel people and dogs etc, as well as drowning them in local dams. Only when provoked or protecting themselves or young though. They might look cute and cuddly, but are wild animals and should only be approached at petting zoos.

I think your mate thinks his story is true, his story has obviously been recollected by others though, not himself.

Answer 7

Hi,don't know what a "Dude" is but if he is from Australian than he must be an Aussie.
Anyway He could not be picked up by a "Roo" but what he said by a Roo in his back yard most likely was correct as they are a pest they keep jumping into our yard day and night by the dozens and they eat the lawn,I plant more grass they eat it all the time.
Y in George street Sydney they are at every corner.
He is correct they do stand up and lean back on there tails and with there claws will rip you open,mostly the big "Grays"
The only Roo's I know are from Australia
Hope this helps Waltz.

Answer 8

I think their pulling your leg there matey! Kangaroo's cannot pick up anything heavier than a twig as far as them leaning back on their tail and kicking if it was even a juvenile (not a Joey) it would have done some damage! their back claws are quite long and mean!

Answer 9

ah No he is pulling your leg ( telling at lie) 1) it is illegal for us to have kangaroos at pets in our backyards 2) Kangaroos cant pick things up. Sorry!!! They are more likely to run away when you see them.

Answer 10

You never know, anything is possible. A kangaroo can pack a punch. They can rip a person up!