How Man Was Killed by 40 Crocodiles
A recent tragedy in Cambodia has shocked the world and raised questions about how to prevent crocodile attacks. A 72-year-old man, Luan Nam, was killed by 40 of his own crocodiles after falling into their enclosure on his family’s reptile farm in Siem Reap. He was trying to coax one of the crocodiles out of a cage when it grabbed his stick and pulled him into the water, where dozens of other crocodiles pounced on him and tore him apart.
This horrific incident highlights the dangers of keeping crocodiles as pets or for commercial purposes, as well as the need for better safety measures and awareness among people who live near crocodile habitats. In this article, we will explore some of the factors that contribute to crocodile attacks and how to avoid them.
What Makes Crocodiles Attack?
Crocodiles are among the most ancient and powerful predators on Earth, with a bite force of up to 5,000 pounds per square inch. They can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh up to 2,000 pounds. They have excellent senses of smell, hearing, and vision, and can detect vibrations in the water. They can also move quickly on land and in water, reaching speeds of up to 15 miles per hour.
Crocodiles are opportunistic hunters, meaning they will attack anything that they perceive as food or a threat. They usually prey on fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, but they will also attack humans if they are hungry, provoked, or defending their territory or offspring. Crocodiles are especially aggressive during the breeding season, which varies depending on the species and location.
Crocodiles are not mindless killers, however. They are intelligent animals that can learn from their experiences and adapt to their environment. They can also recognize individual humans and animals, and form social bonds with their group members. Some crocodiles have even been known to show signs of affection and loyalty to their human caretakers.
How to Avoid Crocodile Attacks?
The best way to avoid crocodile attacks is to stay away from their habitats and respect their natural behavior. However, this is not always possible or practical, especially for people who live near or depend on rivers, lakes, swamps, or estuaries where crocodiles are found. In such cases, here are some tips to reduce the risk of encountering or provoking a crocodile:
- Be aware of your surroundings and look for signs of crocodile presence, such as tracks, slides, nests, or carcasses.
- Avoid swimming or wading in water that is murky, deep, or near vegetation where crocodiles can hide.
- Do not approach or feed crocodiles, even if they seem tame or friendly. Feeding them can make them associate humans with food and lose their fear of them.
- Do not disturb or harass crocodiles, especially if they are basking on land or guarding their nests or young.
- Do not leave food scraps or garbage near water sources where crocodiles can smell them.
- Keep pets and livestock away from water sources where crocodiles can access them.
- If you encounter a crocodile on land, do not run away or turn your back on it. Back away slowly and calmly while maintaining eye contact and making yourself appear large and confident.
- If you encounter a crocodile in water, do not splash or make noise that can attract its attention. Try to swim away quietly and steadily towards the nearest shore or boat.
- If you are attacked by a crocodile, do not give up or play dead. Fight back by hitting its eyes, nostrils, or ears with your fists, elbows, knees, feet, or any object you can find. These are the most sensitive parts of its body and may cause it to release you.
Crocodile attacks are rare but devastating events that can be prevented by understanding and respecting these ancient animals. By following some simple precautions and knowing how to react in case of an encounter, we can coexist peacefully with these magnificent creatures and appreciate their role in nature. Yet still this situation is very unfortunate, prayers up for everyone affected.
