Don James found himself in a precarious situation when a "really muscly" kangaroo attacked him in floodwaters near Port Macquarie, leading to a bizarre battle for survival. Witnesses describe the kangaroo as having become distressed and aggressive due to the flooding conditions that have greatly affected the region.
Man Battles with 'Muscular' Kangaroo in Australian Floodwaters

Man Battles with 'Muscular' Kangaroo in Australian Floodwaters
A man's struggle for survival against a kangaroo during severe flooding in New South Wales highlights the unexpected encounters with wildlife triggered by natural disasters.
In a shocking incident in New South Wales, Australia, a man named Don James found himself embroiled in a dramatic tussle with a "really muscly" kangaroo amidst rising floodwaters. This unusual encounter occurred when James was reportedly caught off-guard by the aggressive marsupial while navigating an area affected by severe flooding, particularly near Port Macquarie.
Local resident Kristy Lees, who witnessed the unfolding drama, described the scene vividly. According to her account, she initially slowed her vehicle while checking flood levels when she was warned about a notably large kangaroo in the vicinity. To her amazement, the kangaroo soon turned aggressive, first targeting her car and then setting its sights on James, who was walking nearby.
As the perplexing skirmish escalated, the two engaged in what could only be described as a boxing match, leading to James tumbling into a shallow area of floodwater. In a twist of fate, the kangaroo proceeded to pin him down in the water in a distressing moment that left both the onlooker and James in shock. "The kangaroo tried to drown me," James later recounted, describing the terrifying experience of being submerged and fighting to break free.
Kristy quickly alerted her husband to the scene, yet a timely distraction from an approaching vehicle ultimately spooked the kangaroo, enabling James to escape. Despite the bizarre nature of the encounter, experts explain that kangaroo aggression, especially during such stressful times as flooding, may stem from instinctive self-defense rather than outright hostility.
The incident not only highlights the challenges faced by wildlife in altered environments but also serves as a reminder of how natural disasters can disrupt the balance of life for both humans and animals. As James reflected on his traumatic experience, he humorously noted that he feels targeted by wildlife, recalling a previous encounter with a great white shark.