It's not every day you spot a kangaroo hopping around Florida , or really anywhere outside of Australia. And even though the marsupials are instantly recognizable, how much do we really know about them?
While kangaroos have their own particular set of fun facts, it is also important to know how to stay safe if you come across one (especially if you are hanging out in Pierson this weekend).
A kangaroo in Volusia County? Sheriff's office says it's hopping around in Pierson
Here are a few things to know about kangaroos:
Where do kangaroos live?
Kangaroos are a marsupial species native to Australia. Marsupials are one of three types of mammals and are distinctly characterized by having pouches, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).
Some kangaroo species include red, eastern grey, western grey and antilopine kangaroo.
How big can a kangaroo get?
Some kangaroo species are as tall as approximately 7 feet, and can weigh up to 187 pounds, according to the San Diego Zoo.
How high can kangaroos jump?
The kangaroo’s long legs and muscles are designed to hop as it main way of travel.
“The larger kangaroos can cover over 23 feet per hop when cruising at top speed and have been clocked at more than 30 mph in short bursts,” according to the San Diego Zoo.
Do male kangaroos have pouches?
No, only female kangaroos have pouches.
Female kangaroos can also be called “doe, flyer, jill, or roo,” according to the zoo, while makes can be referred to as “buck, boomer, jack, or old man.”
According to the IFAW, red kangaroo babies (or “joeys”) are about the size of a jellybean when they are born.
“Female red kangaroos give birth to one joey at a time, and they can delay the birth their next baby until the previous one has left the pouch — this ability is known as embryonic diapause,” according to IFAW.
Do kangaroos make good pets?
While the law allows Floridians to have kangaroos as pets, owners must know what they are doing having one around the house.
Kangaroos are wild “large animals with powerful arms and massive feet,” according to the University of Melbourne in Australia.
Are kangaroos dangerous?
A person could be severely injured if attacked by a kangaroo.
“Their sharp claws can make deep cuts, and their powerful kicks can cause severe bruising and internal injuries,” according to the University of Melbourne in Australia.
How to avoid a kangaroo attack
The first thing to do is keep your distance, according to the Queensland Government .
If you have come across a kangaroo and feel threatened by it, here is what to do:
- “Move away as slowly as possible to a safe place.
- Give a short, deep cough; avoid eye contact; bow your head; and keep your arms close to your body as you move away. This will make you appear smaller and less of a threat to the kangaroo.
- Do not turn your back on the animal or run.
- Where possible, put a barrier between you and the animal such as a tree or fence.
- If you happen to have an object with you when the kangaroo approaches (e.g. branch, stick, pole, etc.), hold it out in front of you so it acts as a barrier. This may deter an aggressive kangaroo — but never use the object to strike the animal.”
If a kangaroo charges and attack you:
- “Drop to the ground.
- Curl into a ball (if able) or otherwise lie face down and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
- Try and remain calm and still until the animal moves away.”
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Loose kangaroo in Pierson: Is it dangerous? Here's what to do if you run into it.
Local News
