In a heart-pounding encounter along the banks of the Murray River in Victoria, Australia, Mick Moloney, an Australian man with a background in mixed martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, displayed an incredible act of courage.

Moloney's, Hutchy, found himself in a life-threatening situation, trapped in a headlock by a powerful, six-foot-tall kangaroo. This remarkable incident was also captured on video, and Moloney's determination to save his beloved pet has been praised by many around the world.

Photo: Pexels
Kangaroos are marsupials native to Australia.

A Desperate Rescue Mission

Mick Moloney, an MMA and jiu-jitsu teacher, was enjoying a day by the river when he realized his dog, an Akita named Hutchy, had gone missing, reports NDTV. Panic set in as he spotted a massive kangaroo with his dog in a headlock, struggling for breath.

"Water was just gushing out of his mouth, and he yelped quite badly," Moloney told The Telegraph.

Fearing for Hutchy's life, Moloney knew he had to intervene.

Photo: Pexels
Red kangaroos are the largest marsupials, with males capable of standing up to 6.6 feet tall.

Approaching A Muscular Kangraroo

Moloney confronted the kangaroo, later identified as an eastern grey kangaroo. He was struck by the animal's impressive size and muscle tone.

"The muscles on this thing, I was (thinking) 'this thing's just got out of jail or something.' It was jacked," he told the Telegraph.

The confrontation turned into a fierce struggle between man and marsupial, with Moloney's phone capturing the entire incident.

Photo: Pexels
Kangaroos are known for their powerful hind legs, which they use for hopping and leaping.

A Tense Standoff Between Man and Roo

Moloney approached the kangaroo, threatening to punch it if it didn't release his dog. The kangaroo, unfazed by the threat, reacted aggressively, causing Moloney's phone to tumble into the water.

In an intense video, viewers can hear Moloney's laughter as he faced the unimaginable reality before him. He described the encounter to The Telegraph as "a bit of a tussle".

Photo: Pexels
Kangaroos are social animals and often live in groups called mobs or troops.

Hutchy is Rescued from the Roo

Despite the kangaroo's ferocity, Moloney's determination paid off, and Hutchy was eventually freed.

The video quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from the online community. While some praised his bravery and unwavering commitment to saving his dog, others speculated about the events that led to this intense showdown.

Wildlife experts suggest that Hutchy might have chased the kangaroo into the river, triggering the kangaroo's defensive response.

Kangaroos, as wild animals, tend to perceive humans and dogs as potential predators.

“The normal response of a kangaroo, when chased by a perceived predator, is to flee in fright,” Lisa Palma, the chief executive officer of Wildlife Victoria, an animal rescue service and conservation organization told NDTV.

See for yourself in the video below.

https://twitter.com/krassenstein/status/1713685151379554723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1713685151379554723%7Ctwgr%5E555b5c65c56d1352e228fab59020e3a4da8c66c3%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.news18.com%2Fviral%2Fmartial-art-enthusiast-fights-massive-kangaroo-trying-to-drown-his-dog-8622798.html

Moloney's remarkable act of bravery in rescuing his dog from a muscular kangaroo showcases the unbreakable bond between humans and their pets. This incident serves as a vivid reminder of the unpredictable encounters that can occur between humans and wildlife, highlighting the importance of respecting and understanding nature in its raw form.

Click below and together, we can ensure that encounters with wildlife in danger lead to positive outcomes, safeguarding the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom for generations to come.