A widely shared Australian encounter was sometimes described as a kangaroo pulling a man into the water. Reports from the scene tell a more precise story: the man entered floodwater while trying to avoid a charging kangaroo.
The encounter happened near Port Macquarie after severe flooding in May 2025. Both the man and the displaced animal were facing an unusually stressful environment.
Floodwater Changed the Landscape
Flooding had covered parts of the area near Port Macquarie, New South Wales. Resident Don James was moving through the damaged landscape when he encountered a large kangaroo. Floods can force wildlife away from familiar feeding areas and escape routes, increasing the chance of unexpected contact with people.
The Kangaroo Charged
James reported that the kangaroo moved toward him aggressively. Rather than being dragged from dry ground, he jumped or fell into the floodwater while attempting to get out of its path. The animal followed, turning an already tense encounter into a dangerous struggle in deep water.
The Animal Landed on Him
According to James and a witness, the kangaroo came down on top of him in the water. The witness could see the animal above him while James struggled to bring his head back to the surface. The danger came from the combined weight of the kangaroo and the risk of drowning.
He Fought for the Surface
James said he fought back while trying to keep his airway above water. He made himself appear larger, shouted, and pushed against the animal. His response was driven by the immediate need to escape submersion rather than by any attempt to capture or overpower the kangaroo.
The Kangaroo Moved Away
The confrontation ended when the kangaroo left the immediate area. James escaped without puncture wounds, although he reported a sore back afterward. The outcome could have been much worse because adult kangaroos possess powerful hind legs, strong claws, and enough body weight to cause severe injuries.
The Encounter Was Unusual
Wildlife rescuers described serious kangaroo attacks as uncommon. Fewer than five people a year were reportedly treated for kangaroo-related injuries across New South Wales, although exact numbers can vary. Most kangaroos attempt to avoid close contact when given a clear route away.
Flood Stress May Have Mattered
The animal’s motivation cannot be known with certainty. A wildlife expert interviewed about the encounter said that flood displacement and stress may have triggered a defensive response. The kangaroo could also have felt trapped, confused, or unable to reach familiar ground as water covered the area.
Give Kangaroos an Exit
Authorities advise people not to approach or feed kangaroos. During an encounter, avoid crowding the animal, move away calmly, and give it an open escape route. Running, staring, or moving closer for a photograph may increase tension. In protected areas, visitors should follow all distancing rules.
Featured Image: Photo by Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz on Pexels
