The Australian Drop Bear

EymaTeapot · **February 19, 2009, 11:19:56**

Hi Guys.
Our Aussie members will be well aware of this rarely sited little marsupial, so this is for the benefit of our overseas members. The Drop bear is closely related to our famous cute and cuddly, if somewhat smelly Koala bear, but has turned feral. While Australia is famous for its deadly snakes, crocs and spiders, this little critter is far less known but just as deadly.
The drop bear lives high up in the branches of native gum trees, and lives a largely solitary life. However, when it gets hungry, it moves down to the lower branches over hanging bush trails, and will than wait for a victim to pass below at which point it will release itself from the branch and spring on to its Vitim. Its aim ultimately is to latch on to the Vitim's neck and with its large fang like teeth, it bites into the jugular going for the kill.
The Drop Bears preyes mainly upon mid size animals like Kangaroo, Wallaby and emu, but has on a hand full of occasions been known to attack a man.
I am certainly not trying to scare any would be visitors to our shores, nor discourage you from walking in our native bushlands, but if you do decide to do so, you are well advised to keep your eyes up on the lower limbs of the Gums.

Medic01 · **Reply #1: February 22, 2009, 09:47:29**

yeah, we hear them occasionally in the night, but i haven't seen one yet. (thank christ)

But those bloody hoop snakes, i see them all the time.

FYI if you want to keep those buggers out of your camp at night (the hoop snakes) you have to string a wire around the outside of your camp about one foot high off the ground.

that will generally keep them away.

Cheers

Dazzler · **Reply #2: February 22, 2009, 10:23:30**

Here's one in action...

EymaTeapot · **Reply #3: February 22, 2009, 10:35:55**

Thanks for the tip Medic.
Nice picture Dazz, did you take it?
Like Big Foot, or the loch Ness monster, there are not too many clear images of the Drop Bear.

Shambles · **Reply #4: February 22, 2009, 10:45:20**

So is it fictional reality then, like Nessie?

Dazzler · **Reply #5: February 22, 2009, 10:49:45**

Quote from: EymaTeapot on February 22, 2009, 10:35:55

Nice picture Dazz, did you take it?

Yes I took it.. from the internet (nice bit of photoshopping ...

)

bikejockey · **Reply #6: February 22, 2009, 23:34:53**

Hmm, I think drop bears are overrated. I usually find a quick spray of Aerogard keeps them away. Everyone else too.

tji30 · **Reply #7: February 23, 2009, 07:09:16**

One of my favorite Bundy Rum ads...

tzwientjuh · **Reply #8: February 23, 2009, 08:55:22**

Quote from: tji30 on February 23, 2009, 07:09:16

One of my favorite Bundy Rum ads...

Almost every commercial for beer is funny

tji30 · **Reply #9: February 23, 2009, 09:16:28**

Quote from: tzwientjuh on February 23, 2009, 08:55:22

Almost every commercial for beer is funny

Not beer mate, thats pure Aussie Rum!

tzwientjuh · **Reply #10: February 23, 2009, 09:21:50**

Quote from: tji30 on February 23, 2009, 09:16:28

Quote from: tzwientjuh on February 23, 2009, 08:55:22
Almost every commercial for beer is funny

Not beer mate, thats pure Aussie Rum!

Ow sorry, read to fast.

I never have tasted rum before ... should I try?

Medic01 · **Reply #11: February 23, 2009, 11:19:32**

Quote from: Shambles on February 22, 2009, 10:45:20

So is it fictional reality then, like Nessie?

nah mate, thems fair dinkum stuff

tji30 · **Reply #12: February 23, 2009, 20:53:44**

Quote from: tzwientjuh on February 23, 2009, 09:21:50

I never have tasted rum before ... should I try?

Ab-so-frackin-lutely!!!!

Mix with coke. Nectar of the Gods!

Shambles · **Reply #13: February 23, 2009, 21:04:07**

No. Blackcurrant added = Rum & Black. Splendid

tji30 · **Reply #14: February 23, 2009, 21:07:10**

Also goes well with Ginger Beer. There is also a variety called "Bundy Dry & Lime"

tzwientjuh · **Reply #15: February 23, 2009, 21:24:11**

Will try when I go out

I useally drink beer or wodka-redbulls ...

Medic01 · **Reply #16: February 24, 2009, 02:49:04**

Quote from: tji30 on February 23, 2009, 20:53:44

Quote from: tzwientjuh on February 23, 2009, 09:21:50
I never have tasted rum before ... should I try?

Ab-so-frackin-lutely!!!!

Mix with coke. Nectar of the Gods!

hmm... where's your B&S ute ??

eye30 · **Reply #17: February 24, 2009, 18:29:04**

Quote from: Shambles on February 23, 2009, 21:04:07

No. Blackcurrant added = Rum & Black. Splendid

why spoil the blackcurrent taste

EymaTeapot · **Reply #18: February 26, 2009, 02:02:23**

Some more info and warnings of drop bear attacks.

http://www.cfr.com.au/dropbears/index.html

Dazzler · **Reply #19: February 26, 2009, 11:46:13**

Latin scientific name: throatsremovis:

Yeah, right....