'A matter of time' before kangaroo attack kills someone

Kangaroo rage has been terrorising members of a Gold Coast golf club, with a 64-year-old woman the latest victim of a savage attack.

The most recent attack happened at Arundel Hills Country Club, where dozens of players have been set upon, some injured so badly, they were sent to hospital.

Wildlife expert Ian Temby told Today footage of the attacks was "horrifying" and it could potentially be a matter of time before someone is killed by one of the native Australian animals.

READ MORE: Golfer repeatedly 'stomped' on in vicious kangaroo attack

"I was just blown away when I saw it. Even a little Joey was attacking somebody," Temby told Today.

"It's highly unusual, certainly dangerous and I'm not surprised people have been sent to hospital."

Temby said the kangaroos at the golf course are used to being among the general public so they have no fear of people and that is what makes them so dangerous.

He said if even joeys are attacking people, his usual advice to protect yourself might not work at the golf course.

READ MORE: Crocodile tries to steal NT fisherman's catch

"It is usually a big male kangaroo, that is not the case at this golf course, so my normal advice is to crouch down, back away, get a bush or something between you and the kangaroo which obviously you can't do at a golf course," he said.

"Some of that footage shows the kangaroo chasing someone around the buggy. It's a serious situation, obviously something does need to be done about it."

Temby said relocation of the kangaroos is not a good solution as they can die from stress if they are forcibly moved.

"I think even these ones, it would be a stressful experience for them. But they also tend to try to come back home and then you've got the risk of kangaroos crossing roads and things," he said.

READ MORE: Shark attacks boat propeller during lads' fishing trip

READ MORE: Push for laws to change as koalas face extinction

While some might argue that killing the kangaroos would be a more humane option, Temby said there is another possible option.

"I don't know if it has ever been tried, but I use rat shot in a 22 to help scare kangaroos off my place," he said.

"The pellets aren't going to do any damage at all to them, but it may teach them to be a bit more wary of people.

"It would take a concerted campaign, but unless you can teach those kangaroos to be a little bit more nervous about being around people, then they probably need to be removed. Otherwise there's a huge risk to people."

Watch the full segment above

Join the Today show family and give yourself the chance to win great prizes by signing up to our weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox every Wednesday with a special message from Karl and Ally. You can sign up for free here