Drop Bears – an awesome Australian Urban Myth!
Drop Bears are very different to the bears in Canada that create the need for specially reinforced bins.
Basically, the Drop Bear is a fictional creature that Australians like to joke about with foreigners whenever a conversation veers towards Dangerous Australian Animals. For example, here is a popular Drop Bear joke floating around on the internet that I’ve come across numerous times.
It’s as Australian as Vegemite!
Note: yes, this picture is not real, and is totally doctored and modified – this is a Koala Bear parody. Koala’s don’t eat people! I don’t want to make visitors more scared of Australian Animals than they need to be! Lots of people live here and manage to not die from animals every year!
The myth of the Drop Bear is that they fall on unsuspecting people whilst they walk underneath a tree, often causing serious injuries. Even the Australian Museum is in on the joke.
Drop Bear Commercial – for Bundaberg Rum
Anyway a few years ago, Bundaberg Rum put out a funny commercial that further reinforced the urban myth of the Drop Bear!
This is a rum produced in Bundaberg that is widely distributed around Australia.
You’ll get the idea!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULEQpUY_crc[/youtube]
However, what’s even funnier is that if you take a tour of the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, there is still a sign there that still warns of the dangers of the Drop Bear!
Unfortunately, I couldn’t take a photo of it because cameras are not allowed because of the high chance of blowing up the place to smithereens due to high vapour levels, but hey, it was a good laugh (I had to use stock photos for this post).
More Drop Bear Stuff
Apart from Drop Bears, you can read more about Dangerous Australian Animals at Australia’s Dangerous Creatures For Dummies and see more at Saltwater Crocodiles, and Crocodile Facts.
Plus you’ll see this term in my silly post about the Australian Citizenship test and my list of Australian Slang! Buy one with some funny money…
Also, check out more at Queensland Holidays for more offbeat travel stuff.
I love it. I heard of drop bears when I first came to Australia. Now I have seen a picture of one. Dangerous creatures alright. Haha
Great post.
Ha ha! But the legend still persists!
Just showed this to the kids. The 7 year old fell for it;)
Made me think of some great headlines: A Drop Bear Ruined My Life etc
Keep spreading the word!
Too funny – we went to bundaberg rum factory and we walked past the sign that said “Watch out for the Drop Bears”!! Our younger boys kept looking for them – still reckon they need a big bear to jump out on the crowd as they walk past!
Cheers
Lisa
I know, I saw the sign too!