Kangaroos in the Wild: A Common Sight in Australia

Kangaroos are a ubiquitous sight in Australia, found in diverse habitats ranging from urban backyards to rural farmlands. Whether you're a local resident or a tourist exploring the Great Outback, you might find yourself sharing the landscape with these remarkable creatures.

In Daily Life Kangaroos Are a Common Sight

Even if you live in a suburban area like Brisbane, which is just an hour's drive from the bustling city center, you can still spot kangaroos in your backyard. Here, residing about an hour away from Brisbane, I often see kangaroos in my front yard. These animals are a testament to the unique wildlife that thrives within the city's outskirts.

Kangaroos and Wallabies in Tourist Areas

Kangaroos and wallabies are not difficult to spot for tourists traveling through Australia. Across various regions of the country, including New South Wales, visitors are likely to encounter these marsupials in national parks and beyond. For example, the Blue Mountains region, with its stunning natural beauty, is home to these animals, just west of the iconic mountain range.

Unique Observations of Kangaroos

During my employment at Black Mountain in Canberra in 2018, I observed kangaroos during a particularly challenging time of drought. These animals were feeding on the limited edible grass, their natural habitat. They blended seamlessly with the environment, just like Australia's coat of arms. It's fascinating to note that they occupy a similar ecological niche to deer in North America, adapting to their surroundings with remarkable perseverance.

Personal Experience with Orphan Joey Care

As a caretaker, I have had the opportunity to raise countless orphaned joey kangaroos. These encounters have taught me the importance of keeping these animals as wild as possible. Unlike some Australian carers who might humanize the joey, I refrain from doing so. This approach is crucial because humanizing a joey can be potentially lethal, making it more difficult for the animal to survive in the wild. Instead, I keep them in their pouches during feedings and never hold them, ensuring they retain their natural instincts.

Common Sightings of Kangaroos in Urban Areas

Living in Canberra, the capital of Australia, it's not uncommon to spot kangaroos regularly. They can be seen from my back fence, or even at my local lawn bowling club, which is just a short drive from the central animals are also often found in public parks, nature reserves, and even residential areas, making them a regular part of the city's life.

Potential Hazards of Kangaroos

While kangaroos are generally harmless and can be an incredible sight to behold, they do pose a safety risk. For instance, driving at night can be particularly dangerous, as a kangaroo might suddenly jump onto the road. I recall a harrowing experience where a brand new car was written off after hitting a kangaroo at a relatively low speed of 60 kph. Such incidents highlight the importance of being vigilant when driving, especially in areas known for frequent kangaroo sightings.

Frequent Kangaroo Sightings in Canberra

Here are some images I've taken from my phone, most of which were taken over my back fence. You can even see my daughters' trampoline in one of them. Additionally, I have many more photographs taken with a decent camera. The pictures taken at the lawn bowling club often feature kangaroos as well, since the club is adjacent to a major mall. The kangaroos are often fed by tourists in this area, creating a unique interaction between visitors and wildlife.

Across various locations around my home in Canberra, including the bowling green to the dam, the picnic area, and a short walk away from my house, kangaroos are a frequent sight. The area I live in is only a 20-minute drive from the city center, yet it offers a glimpse into the natural world of Australia. The presence of kangaroos in such close proximity to urban life underscores the coexistence that exists between wildlife and human communities in Australia.