EVAN Switzer wasn't expecting to capture a touching moment in nature when he went for his regular walk in River Heads.

Just metres away, he came across a male kangaroo clutching what looked to be the dead mother of the young joey who stood close by.

"I have never seen anything like this in the wildlife before," Mr Switzer said.

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It was on Monday afternoon when he saw a rare moment between two marsupials that he believed were grieving.

Mr Switzer, who has been walking in the area for the past 19 years, said he heard a 'thumping sound' and turned around.

"I saw the male pick up the female, it was quite amazing to see," he said.

TOUCHING MOMENT: Evan Switzer captured this sad moment in nature on camera. Evan Switzer

A photographic enthusiast, Mr Switzer said he went home to grab his camera.

"It was pretty special to me … mourning the loss of its mate," he said about the encounter.

"I have lost a dog so I understand the loss ... but this is something you don't see every day."

Mr Switzer said he took photos for quite some time and while the kangaroo was protective of the other roos nearby, he didn't seem fazed by Mr Switzer's close proximity.

TOUCHING MOMENT: A male kangaroo clutches what appears to be the dead mother of a Joey. Evan Switzer

He was only a few metres away from the kangaroo family.

"I didn't see any wounds, so it is a mystery how she died."