The drooping bear, a fictional carnivorous relative of the koala, is said to attack unsuspecting tourists in Australia. Locals suggest bizarre ways to prevent attacks, and different types of fall bears have been created. The legend may have originated as a way to keep children away from dangerous eucalyptus trees or to explain the existence of an extinct marsupial lion. Visitors should not take the legend seriously and can find humor in it through YouTube videos and commercials.
Of all fictional or fairy-tale creatures, like the jackalope or wild haggis, the drooping bear is probably one of the fiercest. Originally from Australia, or so they say, this made-up relative of the koala is downright dangerous, especially for tourists. Sometimes the locals like to have a little fun with non-Australian residents by suggesting they should be on the alert for a bear attack. This carnivorous cousin of the cuddly koala falls from trees onto unsuspecting tourists. Sources differ, but most say no one survived to tell the tale of a bear attack.
According to locals, there are several ways to prevent a bear attack. Spreading Vegemite or toothpaste behind the ears can keep bears away. Wearing forks on your head or spiked helmets could prevent you from dying from the paws of a fallen bear. Other local traditions suggest peeing on your shoes before going for a walk. Drinking beer or pretending to have an Australian accent can attract the interest of fall bears and should be discouraged.
As the legend of the fall bear has evolved, people have even taken the trouble to create different types of fall bears. These include alpine, burrowing and aquatic types. It is not known how the legend began, but there are some plausible explanations. First, telling stories of these wild beasts may have been a way to keep children away from eucalyptus trees. These particular trees pose a danger, especially during high winds because they have shallow roots and are prone to falling over. Investigating burrows or straying far can pose a danger in the bush to anyone, as there are numerous venomous snakes that should be avoided.
Another possible source for the development of this legend is based on the real existence of an ancient, now extinct marsupial, which was noticeably larger than a koala. The marsupial lion or Thylacoleo carnifex was the size of a lion. It may have perched in trees and may have fallen from trees to attack prey. Luckily, these wild lions were completely extinct around 38,000 BC There’s little chance you’ll encounter one today, unless you come across a fossilized version.
However, if you are visiting Australia, you may find fall bears mentioned as a possible danger. The best way to avoid being scared is to have a good laugh with the person who mentions them. You can also find some YouTube spots that play on the legend. In particular, look for the 2004 Bundaberg Rum commercial, where a polar bear-like creature, clearly the Alpine version of the tumbling bear, tumbles from a tree to crush an empty tent.
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