| Drop bear | |
|---|---|
 The koala (pictured) is the main inspiration for the myth of the drop bear. | |
|
Real name |
Thylarctos plummetus (Species) |
|
First Appearance |
Australian folklore |
|
Created by |
Unknown |
Origin[]
The drop bear (sometimes dropbear) is a hoax in contemporary Australian folklore featuring a predatory, carnivorous version of the koala. This imaginary animal is commonly spoken about in tall tales designed to scare tourists. While koalas are typically docile herbivores (and are not bears), drop bears are described as unusually large and vicious marsupials that inhabit treetops and attack unsuspecting people (or other prey) that walk beneath them by dropping onto their heads from above
Drop Bears are large vicious marsupials that live in the treetops until they see humans/prey walk underneath, and then drop down on to the victim's head.
The Australian Museum describes the Drop Bear as having coarse orange fur with some darker mottled patterning. They are around the size of a leopard or a large dog. They are heavily built and have powerful forearms for climbing and holding on to prey. They are thought to live in the Great Dividing Range in South-eastern Australia with some reports from South-east South Australia, the Mount Lofty Ranges and Kangaroo Island.
There are several methods to avoid being attacked by Drop Bears. They consist of putting forks in your hair, spreading toothpaste or vegemite behind your ears or armpits, urinating on yourself, and only speaking English with an Australian accent.
Surprisingly, very few, if any, brave souls managed to cheat death by dodging the monsters and punching them square in the face, mainly the nose. Unfortunately, even when injured, the Drop Bears get very angry, and will climb back to their trees and kill those who attacked them back out of anger and revenge.
Drop Bear stories are told by locals to trick tourists and children on camping trips. While the origin of the myth is unknown, the term became popular by the 20th century.
Notes[]
- Drop Bears are present in mobile game Crossy Road where they have a chance to drop on to you when playing as an Australian animal.
- Drop Bears were a mob in the mobile game The Blockheads.
- Drop Bears are featured in the popular trading card game MetaZoo: Cryptid Nation.