The Drop Bear (Thylarctos plummetus) is a large, arboreal marsupial native to the forests of Australia. A distant relative of the koala, it is described as a heavily built animal with powerful forearms for climbing. It is roughly the size of a large dog or leopard, with coarse mottled fur and a vicious bite.

Drop bears inhabit dense forests and tall woodland along Australia’s Great Dividing Range. From their elevated perches they wait silently in the thick canopy then drop onto unsuspecting prey walking below. The impact alone can stun a victim, allowing the drop bear to subdue it quickly with claws and teeth. The drop bear may haul the carcass up into the branches to finish eating it later.

Although drop bears prefer medium-sized mammals such as kangaroos or wallabies, bushwalkers are warned to remain alert beneath heavily wooded areas. Not only is the drop bear itself dangerous, but their food caches can fall and cause serious injury.

A variety of folk remedies can be used to prevent drop bear attacks. Vegemite behind the ears, forks worn in the hair, or adopting a convincing Australian accent are often recommended but none of these tactics have ever been scientifically proven.

In case you haven’t guessed, the Drop Bear is a cryptid. Australians tell the tale of the drop bear to tourists who are already a little spooked about Australian wildlife.