WARNING: Graphic content
A retiree is lucky to be alive after he was brutally attacked by a kangaroo while trying to rescue his dog in regional Victoria.
Col was at a mate’s place when his dog’s frantic barking set off alarm bells that “something was wrong”.
“The kangaroo was trying to grab [my dog], so I got a stick and hit him,” he told 3AW.
Col thought he was in the clear, asking his friend to bring the dog to safety, but when he turned around he saw the kangaroo charging out of the water “like a rocket”.
Col sustained significant injuries to his head and body. Picture: Supplied
The retiree says he’s ‘very lucky’ to be alive after the brutal attack. Picture: Supplied
“He headbutted me in the face…and punched me. His little gremlin hands grabbed my head and he wouldn’t let go,” he continued.
“He was growling the whole time, I was trying to pull his hands off my head, but he was latched on.
Eventually, Col’s friend intervened, using a shovel to force the kangaroo back.
Col says while he can’t remember much, he predicts the attack only lasted “around 25 seconds” in total.
Sustaining injuries he claimed were akin to a car-crash, Col spent around 6 hours in hospital.
He says he’s “very, very lucky to be alive”.
The kangaroo was seen returning to the dam in the north-east town of Yea. Picture: 3AW
‘I’m a bit embarrassed that I got flogged by a kangaroo,’ he said. Picture: 3AW
“If I hadn’t rolled onto my stomach, I would have been in a much worse way. He got me through both sides of the stomach. The ultrasound said it went in three inches,” he said.
He also believes his shirt prevented even deeper and more severe lacerations.
Despite surviving the brutal attack, he added: “I’m a bit embarrassed that I got flogged by a kangaroo.”
Col believes the injuries would have been a lot worse if it wasn’t for his shirt. Picture: 3AW
The incident serves as a good reminder that kangaroos are unpredictable, “wild animals”.
Alex Krsti, a local Pest Control expert told the radio station that the event is unusual, but it’s “not outside the scope of what they’re capable of.”
“This kangaroo’s adrenaline is up… and they’re very aggressive,” Mr Krstic said.
“Col’s lucky [the kangaroo] didn’t disembowel him.”