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Drop Bear
A carnivorous relative of the koala that drops from trees onto unsuspecting prey below. Sharp teeth, powerful claws, and a taste for human flesh. Australians warn tourists to put Vegemite behind their ears for protection.
1900 - Present
Australia
500+ witnesses
The Drop Bear is a hoax creature from Australian folklore, used to scare tourists.
The Legend
According to Australian tradition:
Drop Bears:
- Are carnivorous koalas
- Drop from trees onto prey
- Have sharp teeth and claws
- Attack tourists
- A beloved national joke
Appearance
Described as:
- Similar to koalas but larger
- Sharp teeth (unlike real koalas)
- Powerful claws
- Muscular build
- Aggressive demeanor
Behavior
Drop Bears allegedly:
- Hide in eucalyptus trees
- Wait for prey to pass below
- Drop onto heads
- Attack with teeth and claws
- Particularly target tourists
”Protection”
Australians suggest:
- Vegemite behind the ears
- Forks in the hair
- Speaking in Australian accent
- Never looking up
- (All are jokes)
Cultural Significance
The Drop Bear:
- Is a practical joke
- Tests tourist gullibility
- Unites Australians in humor
- Has elaborate fake documentation
- Even fake museum displays
Scientific Jokes
The hoax includes:
- Fake scientific papers
- Museum displays
- Warning signs
- News articles
- Wikipedia vandalism attempts