Beware the drop bear! Australia's most feared animal.

We always get told be aware of things that go bump in the night and if you are camping in the Australian bush, a bump in the night could be an indication you are in drop bear territory! I first heard about drop bears as a boy scout when setting up camp one day, and our leader telling us why we shouldn't pitch our tents under a gumtree, " A branch could fall down and kill ya, or a drop bear could rip ya to shreds". I had never heard of a drop bear before and I didn't like the sound of it, basically an overgrown and extremely angry Koala.

"Around the size of a leopard or very large dog with coarse orange fur with some darker mottled patterning (as seen in most Koalas). It is a heavily built animal with powerful forearms for climbing and holding on to prey. It lacks canines, using broad powerful premolars as biting tools instead." Source https://australianmuseum.net.au/drop-bear

Campers and hikers are most in danger of drop bear attack. Drop bears will hide in the branches and wait for small animals to walk beneath them ( rabbits, foxes, even hoop snakes!) and drop on top of them, gripping and shredding with their claws they will drag the prey back into the canopy to feast on it's flesh. Drop bears are have been known to wait hours, even days for unsuspecting victims to walk below and the hunger from this is what is blamed dropping on humans. With body weights up to 120 kg, just landing on you could send you to hospital, or worse.

Drop bears can be found around camping sites across Australia and have even been spotted in some caravan parks, although this is rare and usually during droughts or really hot days. If you spot a drop bear beware! Stay well away. Their 2 inch claws are notorious for removing an eye or two. This seems to be one of the areas a drop bear favours when attacking. Their call varies from a low, clicky growl to a high pitched thinking noise similar to a mokepoke. Locals believe a dab of vegemite behind each ear acts as a deterrent against drop bears as they can smell it from a long distance and the find it repelling. If you are ever camping or hiking in Australia, be aware of the wildlife warning signs in the area as these can be a good indication of what creatures are about, and Australia is full of them. More information about drop bears can be found here https://australianmuseum.net.au/drop-bear

I hope you enjoyed this blog. Remember, if you are in the bush be safe. Look up and live!