NEW THREAT ALERT. US tourists in Australia

It appears that as a consequence of the devastating bushfires in the northeast of Victoria large colonies of drop bears are now migrating to coastal regions.
Some overseas tourists have already been attacked by this silent generally unseen menace.
For our USA members who may have relatives or friends here at the moment, be aware that these are extremely dangerous and few survive an attack.



The United States are taking this development seriously. See the official text below:

This information is current as of today,Fri Jan 05 2007 11:33:22 GMT+1100 (AUS Eastern Daylight Time). Wed Jan 03 07:18:57 2007.
Australia

Americans planning travel to Australia should read Intercountry Adoption Australia , International Parental Child Abduction Australia and Worldwide Caution Public Announcement available on the Department of State web site at http://travel.state.gov
December 15, 2006
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Australia is a highly developed stable democracy with a federal-state system. Tourist facilities are widely available. The Australian Tourist Commission's Internet website, http://www.australia.com/, provides a wide range of information of interest to travelers. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Australia for additional information.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Australia has instituted an alert system for possible terrorist attacks. The threat levels range from "low" to "high." The Australian Attorney General's Office maintains a website with up-to-date information regarding the current assessment of the terrorism threat at http://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/. American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. Travelers may also contact the Australian National Security Hotline at 61-1-800-123-400.

In recent days, the Australian Government have raised the alert level with regard to the threat of Drop Bears attacking tourists in the coastal regions. Though heretofore the Government have denied the existence of these highly dangerous creatures, recent brush fires have driven the savage Drop Bears into more open territory where their existence cannot be hidden. U.S. tourists visiting Australia are advised to avoid wooded areas and urban overpasses, as Drop Bears attack from above and fall on their prey, squeezing them to death. Likewise tourists should avoid open-air hotel balconies unless they are on the topmost floor. Sighting of Drop Bears should be reported immediately to the U. S. Consulate, which will call in an immediate air strike. Enjoy your visit.

The U.S. have now requested Seppo tourists who spot Drop Bears to complete the triplicate Drop Bear Form (Form 52/90/78/11) and file it with the U. S. Consulate who have requested that a pair of Drop Bears (one male and one of indeterminate sex) be exported to the U. S. Southwestern states to help control our Jackalope population. Jackalopes, which are as swift as antelopes and as randy as jackrabbits, have overrun large parts of our southwestern desert. It appears the Drop Bears can be a real help in bringing this ecological disaster under control. We appreciate the reciprocal cooperation between our governments.



Full discussion on Australian site