Man mauled to death by kangaroo he kept 'as a pet' before he fought paramedics

Police had to put the kangaroo down after paramedics arrived on the scene and were pushed away by the aggressive marsupial, who allegedly mutilated his 77-year-old owner to death

A man has died after being attacked by a kangaroo in Western Australia, police say (

Image: Getty Images/EyeEm)

A man was killed by a kangaroo he was keeping at his home, Australian police said.

The 77-year-old, who has not yet been officially named, was found by a seriously injured relative at his home in Redmond, about 200 miles from Perth, Western Australia, on Monday .

Paramedics arrived at the scene and attempted to treat the man, but were reportedly pushed away by the aggressive marsupial.

As a result, the police were called to the scene and put the animal down. The man was later pronounced dead at the scene.

A police spokesperson later told the public that the victim was allegedly attacked by the kangaroo earlier in the day.

Kangaroos can be dangerous when they feel threatened (

Picture:

Getty Images)

Although animals are generally not considered directly dangerous, they have been known to react aggressively when provoked or feel cornered.

Kangaroo attacks on humans are rare, but known. In July, a 67-year-old Queensland woman suffered cuts and a broken leg when she was attacked while walking.

A three-year-old girl also suffered serious head injuries after a kangaroo attack in New South Wales in March.

Fatal attacks are extremely rare, however, and the man's death on Monday is the first known since 1936.

The creatures can stand up to 2.4 meters tall and weigh up to 26-66 kg, depending on their race.