Beware of the Drop Bear
by Abigail, Evan, and Isaac Strauss
Two unsuspecting tourists
Walking through a forest
Strolling through the great Outback
With something that’s on the attack
On the attack
On the attack
On the attack
On the attack
But a sound up ahead
Fills them with dread
A rustle in the trees
Maybe it’s the breeze?!
But you both know what’s there
Cause you are being hunted
by the most despicable
DROP BEAR!!!!
The pair rushes home
shaking with fear
They run to the kitchen
Spreading vegemite behind their ears
But they were too late
You can’t escape from your fate
It lunged at the wife
With claws like a knife
Claws like a knife
Claws like a knife
Claws like a knife
Claws like a knife
A jar the color brown
Crashed to the ground
A glob of Vegemite
Left it fleeing the fight
I hope you’ve listened to this story
Or it may get very gory
For drop bears are a real thing
And in the Outback they are king
Drop Bear “Facts” for Avoiding the Attack:
Ways to repel the “drop bear”
Smearing Vegemite or toothpaste behind your ears
Wearing forks in your hair, or even prawns on your hat
Wash your hair with yeast or beer.
Speak in an Australian accent
Always look up and point aggressively (bonus points if you say “Not today mate!")
Eat Tim Tams loudly
Yell “CRIKEY!” at random intervals.
Avoid eucalyptus trees at dusk
Travel in groups
Make eye contact with a koala first
Hold a branch over your head
Offer sacrifices (Tim Tams)
Carry a koala decoy
Don’t wear tourist gear.
Personal Note:
This was a really fun blog post, because we all got to collaborate and do it together! Just so you don’t get nightmares, let us reassure you that drop bears are real, but only live in Australia. If you want to learn more about this amazing and deadly animal click on the links below. They take you to websites of museums and centers that have pages on the drop bear. We wrote the song and did everything by ourselves. We are really proud of what we did, and are happy that we got to do it. Even if you visit Australia, preventative action like Vegemite and koala decoys may just save your life.
https://australian.museum/learn/animals/mammals/drop-bear/
https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/fact-file/fact-file-drop-bear-thylarctos-plummetus/
