Marsupials abroad and while traveling: are they dangerous, where do you encounter them, where can you see them?
Marsupials
- What are marsupials?
- Are marsupials dangerous?
- Where to see marsupials in the wild abroad?
- What to do if you encounter a marsupial in the wild?
- What to do if a marsupial attacks you?
- What are the most dangerous marsupials species and why?
- What diseases can you get from marsupials?
- Can you volunteer or intern with marsupials?
- What should you do if you are going to work with marsupials during your volunteer work, internship or study?
- Where is the best place to work with species marsupials?
What are marsupials?
- Although the name suggests that these animals all have a pouch, this is not the case.
- All marsupials do have two wombs and babies are born when they are still only partially developed.
- After birth, they are completely dependent on their mother for some time and live glued to their belly, usually in a pouch.
- Most male marsupials have a split penis, which is practical because females have two vaginas.
Are marsupials dangerous?
- Most marsupials are too small to be dangerous to humans. Although the name 'Tasmanian devil' is appealing, this marsupial is also harmless to humans, unless people try to catch or pet it. Wombats, kangaroos and koalas can bite and scratch viciously when threatened.
- Perhaps the least threatening marsupial is the quokka, also considered the “happiest” animal in the world with its cute smile.
Where to see marsupials in the wild abroad?
- Kangaroos can be found in Australia and New Guinea.
- Koalas and wombats are only found in Australia.
- The wombat can be found mainly in the Australian state of Victoria and on Tasmania.
- The Tasmanian devil is now only found on Tasmania.
- In South, Central and North America you mainly find a few opossum species, for example in Mexico, Costa Rica and Brazil.
What to do if you encounter a marsupial in the wild?
- Although most marsupials are not dangerous to humans, there are some things to keep in mind when you encounter one in the wild.
- Observe from a distance and avoid feeding them. Don’t try to pick them up either. Koala’s, for example, have sharp claws and may scratch, wombats can bite and charge if they feel cornered.
- If an animal seems aggressive, do not make sudden movements. Back away slowly without turning your back.
- If you see an injured marsupial, contact the local wildlife rescue services, they might be able to help!
What to do if a marsupial attacks you?
- If attacked, do not run, but back away slowly while protecting your face and torso. It can help to get behind an obstacle like a tree, to create a barrier between you and the animal.
- Do not fight back. While the general advice is to curl yourself into a ball to protect yourself and make yourself seem less threatening (especially to kangaroos), it depends on the kind of marsupial you encounter.
- If bitten or scratched, clean the wound immediately and seek medical attention. Some marsupials can transfer diseases to humans.
What are the most dangerous marsupials species and why?
- Tasmanian Devil: While they don’t typically attack humans, the Tasmanian Devil is considered one of the most dangerous marsupials because of its bite force and aggressive nature. The animal has the world’s deadliest bite, relative to its body weight! But this also has a positive side, as there’s the potential that the Tasmanian Devil could help control non-native fox and cat populations if they are reintroduced to mainland Australia.
- Red Kangaroo: Have you ever seen pictures of a muscular, huge kangaroo? That was probably the red kangaroo. It’s the largest living marsupial and it can do some serious damage with their powerful hind legs. Make sure you stay far away from them during mating season, and don’t go into their territory!
- Wombats: While wombats can be cute and curious, they can also be dangerous. Wombats can reach up to 40 km/h, they love to bite and can defend themselves when they feel threatened. You can’t outrun them, so best to avoid a situation in which you’re invading their space.
What diseases can you get from marsupials?
- Leptospirosis (from urine-contaminated water).
- Lyssavirus (related to rabies, found in some bats and possibly other marsupials).
- Salmonella (from handling or being scratched).
Can you volunteer or intern with marsupials?
- There are several volunteer and internship opportunities for Kangaroos and Koalas. For other marsupials it might be harder to find something, but there are some specific programs in certain countries that possibly allow volunteers.
What should you do if you are going to work with marsupials during your volunteer work, internship or study?
- This depends a lot on your role and experience. You might have direct contact if you are a biologist, wildlife vet or experienced animal handler, but general volunteers usually stick to feeding and cleaning enclosures.
- Make sure to pay attention during the training and listen to the instructions.
- Do not attempt to pick up or restrain an animal unless trained.
- Respect the animal’s space and natural behavior.
Where is the best place to work with species marsupials?
- Australia: Kangaroo and koala sanctuaries, wildlife rescue centers.
- Tasmania: Conservation programs for Tasmanian devils.
- Costa Rica/Brazil: Rescue centers that include opossums.
