Viral footage emerged of a kangaroo attempting to drown a dog in a river in Australia, showcasing a rare yet not unprecedented encounter between the two species. Mick Moloney, while walking along the Murray River in northwestern Victoria, witnessed his dog Hutchy being gripped by the kangaroo from behind in the water.

In a dramatic rescue captured on video, Moloney intervened, engaging in a brief scuffle with the kangaroo before safely retrieving his pet. This incident, which unfolded on Oct. 12, joins a series of documented confrontations between kangaroos and dogs, highlighting the marsupials’ defensive response to perceived threats from canines, reminiscent of their historical interactions with dingoes. Kangaroos, recognizing dogs as potential predators akin to dingoes, may resort to drowning as a defense mechanism, utilizing their powerful arms and claws to submerge the intruding animal. Dog owners are advised to exercise caution in areas where kangaroos roam, as these encounters can pose risks not only to pets but also to humans due to the kangaroos’ formidable strength and defensive instincts.