Australian Animals Attack! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Kangaroo

The various species of Australian Kangaroo include the Red, Eastern or Western Grey and the Wallaroo or Euro. A fully grown Red Kangaroo (the largest of the species) can stand over 2m tall and has enlarged toes on each hind foot which are their most fearsome 'slashing' weapon, closely followed by their sharp incisor teeth which can do more damage than those of a fully grown and enraged stallion.

Answer: Quoll

The Quoll or Native Cat is a resourceful, bloodthirsty predator, capable of killing any prey, even those its own size. Related closely to the Tasmanian Devil, the first settlers referred to it as a Spotted Marten or a Polecat.

Answer: Cassowary

With tapered claws not unlike daggers, measuring up to twelve centimetres long, the Cassowary, if threatened can inflict bloody wounds. People in Australia have died after an encounter with an enraged Cassowary.

Answer: Wombat

The placid, ambling wombat can display a devastatingly bad temper. With extremely powerful jaws and perpetually growing teeth encased in a body that is a solid ball of muscle, a wombat is strong enough to knock over a human and inflict terrible flesh wounds.

Answer: Koala

For all their endearing looks and sleepy demeanour, the Koala has strong, sharp claws that can be buried deep into flesh, inflicting severe wounds. Inhabiting the tallest eucalypt trees, Koalas usually avoid contact with humans but if handled roughly or clumsily, Koalas will inflict nasty scratches.

Answer: Emu

With an unpredictable nature, emus, which are generally taller than cassowaries, can inflict grave injuries with their clawed feet. Usually given to flight, emus are somewhat inquisitive and males especially, who look after the young, are very protective.

Answer: Goanna

Australia's goannas are renowned for mistaking stationary humans for trees and inflicting nasty scratches from their large claws as they desperately try to flee. All goannas will rear up on their hind legs and hiss fiercely at a perceived attacker, but it is usually a bluff.

Answer: Python

One species, the Australian amethystine python, has been measured at a length of 8.5m or 28' - longer even than the renowned South American boa. The average length is closer to 4m but with a weight nearing 20kg the largest of Australia's pythons can exert immense power and with a huge mouth and long fangs, can inflict nasty bites.

Answer: Dingo

The Australian Dingo was ruthlessly hunted by early settlers, to near extinction for some species. Both curious and a scavenger, Dingos that come into contact with humans may feel threatened and will attack with some ferocity. Rarely taking domestic livestock the Dingo prefers native prey or road kill and should be left to its own devices.

Answer: Magpie

The Australian Magpie is ferociously territorial and in spring, the male of the species (particularly) engages in swooping attacks on perceived threats and is capable of inflicting very painful wounds. Most attacks are bluff, but some Australians have been nearly blinded.