South West Rocks kangaroo garage visit fires Facebook comments

The town on the Mid-North Coast is well known for its friendly kangaroos with one big buff guy making a name for himself on social media - but authorities have issued a clear warning.

A kangaroo estimated to stand around two metres’ tall has been visiting a man’s South West Rocks garage in recent weeks, causing a stir on social media and prompting a warning from authorities.

The ‘debbie downers’ have also had their say on Arthur Williams’ recent posts on a community Facebook page but most people took a light hearted approach.

Mr Williams said on one occasion the ripped roo stayed for about an hour before he had to encourage him outside his garage using a slice of bread.

“When he stood up he was well over six feet,” he posted.

Others shared similar experiences in the township well known for its friendly kangaroos including Darryl Harrington posting a photo with the lines: I caught this one trying to steal my car.

Darryl Harrington said he 'caught this one trying to steal my car'. Picture: Facebook

Jon Kay said he had one knock on the front door.

“Gorgeous, but also left his business behind,” he posted on the community page.

It’s a delicate balancing act in South West Rocks and other Mid-North Coast towns where kangaroo populations have become effectively marooned with development on all sides putting stress on populations and bringing them into increasing contact with people.

A large roo has shown a lot of interest in Arthur Williams' garage in recent months at South West Rocks.

At Emerald Beach beach near Coffs Harbour, a population has become isolated and stressed east of the highway at Look At Me Now headland and fertility control has been trialled to cull the population.

At South West Rocks it’s not only the residents who have their fair share of encounters with roos.

Tourists, particularly at the popular Trial Bay Gaol camping area, come into regular contact with the iconic, cute creatures.

“Very friendly roos around here. On two occasions they have come into our van. Lesson learnt - when at Trial Bay National Park keep your door closed,” Judith Simpson posted.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) warns kangaroos are appealing and powerful - but very unpredictable.

“Given kangaroos can be common around South West Rocks there is a risk that people could become blasé towards them, which is when injuries can occur,” a spokesperson said.

‘He’s back’ posted Arthur Williams showing the kangaroo in his garage. Picture: Facebook

“Do not feed or encourage kangaroos in any way. Kangaroos are wild animals, not pets, and feeding them can cause aggressive behaviour and sickness.”

If a kangaroo does attack it is recommended you drop to the ground and curl into a ball with your hands protecting your face and throat.

Try to remain calm and still until the animal moves away, or if you can, keep low to the ground and move behind some form of cover.

The NPWS has urged residents to discourage kangaroos from moving through, grazing or resting on their property through humane, safe and creative techniques.

Options include using sprinklers, trimming trees, using furniture as a barrier and ensuring access is too high or too narrow for kangaroos to navigate.

“Or create noise through suspending a number of tin cans from string that bang together in the breeze,” the spokesperson said.