Killer, fanged kangaroo used to roam Earth: scientists

Scientists have unveiled evidence suggesting the kangaroo - thought by many to be a relatively harmless marsupial - may have been a fanged, flesh-eating beast millions of years ago.

Paleontologists at the University of South Wales found fossils originating from a 10-20 million-year old 'kangaroo' among 20 unknown species in Northwest Queensland in Australia.

The remains of the kangaroo had large, wolf-like fangs and long forearms for galloping rather than hopping like the modern-day species, the researchers surmise.

The fangs were sharp and strong, suggesting that they weren't used for grazing, but rather for ripping off flesh.

The paleontologists also found the remains of a large carnivorous bird, nicknamed the "demon duck of doom".

They believe that both animals belong to an unknown species that's part of a lost period in Australia's history.

Other animals suspected to be part of this species include the marsupial lion and the tree-climbing crocodile.

The scientists plan to take the fossils of both creatures and examine how climate affected their development.

Photography: Lighthouses of Australia Inc.

Source: Discovery Channel Reports, July 12 edition