Hungry 'roos plague outback town(2)
Large numbers of kangaroos invade a drought-striken Australian town under nightfall in search of food and water.
Script:
Kangaroos desperately in search of food and water are reaching
plague-like proportions in the outback of Australia.
As dusk falls, the town of Thargomindah - with a people
population of just 203 - is besieged by thirsty kangaroos and
emus.
This is causing misery for locals.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNIDENTIFIED RESIDENT, SAYING:
"As you open the back door and there's about 5 roos hopping
around the back yard"
Over a thousand kilometres west of Brisbane, Thargomindah is
suffering it's worst drought in 50 years.
Farmers are particularly worried about the kangaroo situation as
any new crop growth is quickly eaten.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) GRAZIER, SCOTT FRASER, SAYING:
"It's possible to shoot seven hundred a night, they're that
thick. They're swarm proportions, you have no idea, it gives you a
creepy feeling when you see them that thick".
Scientists are reluctant to directly link climate change with
extreme weather events such as the drought in Thargomindah.
But the plight of the 'roos and the farmers will give greater
credence to calls to fight climate change.
Matthew Stock, Reuters.