Grin and bear it

“The average reporter we talk to is 27 years old, and their only reporting experience consists of being around political campaigns. They literally know nothing,” Obama advisor Ben Rhodes

Reporter tricked into donning body armor and protective goggles before handling “deadly” koala

ITV News Asia correspondent Debi Edward was duped by her Australian camera crew while filming on Kangaroo Island, off the coast of South Australia, on Saturday.

They convinced her there is a subspecies of koala called a 'drop bear' that has venomous fangs and attacks humans.

Edward was filmed putting on a protective top and goggles before the crew brought out the so-called drop bear, which was actually just a large koala.

Sean Mulcahy from Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park spoke to the camera, playing along with the prank.

He said: 'The third most common injury we see from tourists in Australia is actually from a drop bear attack.' 

The koala was then handed to Edward, who looked terrified as she clutched the friendly marsupial. 

'I've been told that this is quite a dangerous bear, it's been known to attack people,' she said.  

She told her viewers: 'It's called a drop bear because they drop out of the trees to attack people.

'I'm trying not to be worried because I've been told that he can sense if I'm worried,' she said. 

In fairness and to her credit, the reporter joins in the joke when she realizes she’s been duped. “F*****g Aussies!”