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They’re stomping on farmland. They’re gobbling grass. They’re causing traffic jams. They’re taking snacks from tourists. They’re fighting with dogs.
Australia is being mobbed by its most-beloved animals: kangaroos.
Kangaroos are the national animal of Australia. And it’s easy to see why. Those pointy ears! The teeny paws! The furry belly pouches with babies tucked inside! Kangaroos are adorable.
But the number of kangaroos has gone up. There were 27 million in 2010. There are almost 50 million today. That’s about double the number of humans in the country!
Why has the kangaroo population exploded? Scientists blame years of heavy rains. The rain has caused a lot of plants and grass to grow. Those are kangaroos’ favorite foods. They have plenty to eat! Also, several animals that once ate kangaroos, such as the Tasmanian tiger, are now extinct.
Having too many of a species in one area can cause major problems. Parts of the eastern U.S. have been taken over by deer. Deer jump into roads and cause accidents. In England, badgers have been spreading disease among cows.
Kangaroos have been damaging farms and neighborhoods. They scarf down plants that other animals need for food and shelter. Experts say that if kangaroos aren’t stopped, many creatures could disappear for good.
