Croc attacks

[Tucker]

I managed crocs in the NT for 25 years. I have had three close calls where I was actively stalked by crocodiles and probably another three not so close. In all but one, I worked out what was going on early enough to get out of the way in time, and on the other I just got lucky. A couple of times I have also been in bad situations, I.E. chest deep in the water etc, and was simply lucky there were no crocodiles nearby.
In crocodile habitat, never rely on luck. Either know where you are and be very aware, or stay away from the water altogether.
I personally know five people that have been taken by crocs and survived, four are friends of mine. All four were working in croc habitat and knew the risks. The other had been given bad advice and shouldn't have been where they were.
There is no such thing as a rogue crocodile. There are however, hungry crocodiles that hunt as ambush predators (because that's what they do). Probably the best advice I was ever given in crocodile habitat is to think of yourself as a prey item. If you are going to go into their habitat, respect them and understand what they are capable of. Never go in the water and never put yourself in a position where you can be ambushed.
I know personally what it is like to be hunted by a 5m+ crocodile. It is a horrific feeling when you come to the realisation that your next move could be your last.

Were you a ranger?

 

[NT_Tiger]

Were you a ranger?

Yes, in a past life. Now, happily, I dont have to deal with that stuff anymore.

 

[happy_tiger]

Yeah used to be on the wrong end of the drag net in Gladstone for many years
Bit smarter in my old age ...especially after becoming friends with a fisheries officer and hearing his stories

 

[TSP]

I managed crocs in the NT for 25 years. I have had three close calls where I was actively stalked by crocodiles and probably another three not so close. In all but one, I worked out what was going on early enough to get out of the way in time, and on the other I just got lucky. A couple of times I have also been in bad situations, I.E. chest deep in the water etc, and was simply lucky there were no crocodiles nearby.
In crocodile habitat, never rely on luck. Either know where you are and be very aware, or stay away from the water altogether.
I personally know five people that have been taken by crocs and survived, four are friends of mine. All four were working in croc habitat and knew the risks. The other had been given bad advice and shouldn't have been where they were.
There is no such thing as a rogue crocodile. There are however, hungry crocodiles that hunt as ambush predators (because that's what they do). Probably the best advice I was ever given in crocodile habitat is to think of yourself as a prey item. If you are going to go into their habitat, respect them and understand what they are capable of. Never go in the water and never put yourself in a position where you can be ambushed.
I know personally what it is like to be hunted by a 5m+ crocodile. It is a horrific feeling when you come to the realisation that your next move could be your last.

I’m glad you’re here to tell the tale.

Thank you kindly.

 

[NT_Tiger]

Yeah used to be on the wrong end of the drag net in Gladstone for many years
Bit smarter in my old age ...especially after becoming friends with a fisheries officer and hearing his stories

Actually that's one thing I still think about up here FNQ is using a cast net off the boat in dirty water. I dont put the rope loop around my wrist in case a croc grabs the net. I use the loop off the bank on the beach etc but not in deep murky water.

 

[weststigers]

459k homicides and 1000 fatal crocodile attacks globally.

In Australia, there about 230 homicides and 1 fatal crocodile attack each year (30 deaths in 25 years).

I knew that...hence was trying to understand what on Earth TSP was talking about. Why are we quoting global statistics? Not every country has crocodiles, but almost every country has homicides.

It's like comparing murders to bear attacks or Ananconda attacks in Australia. The chances of these attacks in Australia are zero. But your global stats would indicate there is some chance. Furthermore, the global stats would dilute the chances of attack for the countries that actually had these animals because you are including countries which have homicides, but don't have these animals.

2023 had 409 homicides in Australia. Not sure where youbgot 230 from. There are about 2 fatal crocodile attacks per year on average since 1965 i believe. These are the numbers in Australia.

 

[happy_tiger]

Actually that's one thing I still think about up here FNQ is using a cast net off the boat in dirty water. I dont put the rope loop around my wrist in case a croc grabs the net. I use the loop off the bank on the beach etc but not in deep murky water.

Only had one moment that scared the pants off me ....was dragging for prawns on this spot we saw that had orawns everywhere ....not a spot we had ever dragged before .....something hit the net so hard it dragged both of us off our feet .......and left a hole in the net big enough that I could have swum through without touching the side of the hole .....fortunately we never found out what it was ....

 

[TSP]

I knew that...hence was trying to understand what on Earth TSP was talking about. Why are we quoting global statistics? Not every country has crocodiles, but almost every country has homicides.

It's like comparing murders to bear attacks or Ananconda attacks in Australia. The chances of these attacks in Australia are zero. But your global stats would indicate there is some chance. Furthermore, the global stats would dilute the chances of attack for the countries that actually had these animals because you are including countries which have homicides, but don't have these animals.

2023 had 409 homicides in Australia. Not sure where youbgot 230 from. There are about 2 fatal crocodile attacks per year on average since 1965 i believe. These are the numbers in Australia.

The broader point I was trying to raise is that you have a far greater chance of being killed by another human being than by a croc.

That was in response to the “final solution doctrine “ that @Tucker was enunciating arising from his deep sorrow over an acquaintance being attacked and presumably, consumed whilst alive.

Hard to think of a worse way to leave us.

I’m city bred etc but I spent some time in the country. I learned a lot.

The thing about the country is you kind of face the reality of death more frequently. Dead wildlife on the roads and stuff in particular. You can kind of get familiar or less sensitive about it.

In the city, a dead kangaroo on the street would draw a lot of attention and a royal commission.

A croc in the city is a wonder to behold at a zoo. People admire them!

I’ve still got a good friend (ex cop now a govt investigator) and acquaintances from my stint in the county from many years ago. When I retire, if I can, I’m leaving the city for dust. Gooone!!

 

[twentyforty]

Yeah cheers man, he was a rough bugger but a good one.
Did you guys hear about the fella who was heading to Cape York who was taken? It was about a month back. Been a few kids snatched lately as well.

No, didn’t hear about the guy heading to the Cape but remember a young kid being taken. There was a yachty in Hinchinbrook I think? Went into the mouth of a creek to pick up his pots in his little tinny. His wife back on the yacht sensed he was late getting back and called for help. They found what was left of him. It appeared the large animal grabbed him out of his boat.
Ive fished for Barra with crocs slowly surrounding. When one gets close to land upstream it’s time to quit for me. I can’t keep fishing and looking 360 deg. I hate them. I hope we never see another time on earth when reptiles rule.

 

[TSP]

Old croc he’s just doing his thing. He’s not trying to scare and frighten anyone, no need for an AVO.


Just try to avoid him and fish somewhere else would be my opinion…maybe contact the local wildlife officers and follow their advice.

Improve your chances of a successful catch and avoid known danger areas, reduce the risk at least.

 

[happy_tiger]

Old croc he’s just doing his thing. He’s not trying to scare and frighten anyone, no need for an AVO.

View attachment 15174
Just try to avoid him and fish somewhere else would be my opinion…maybe contact the local wildlife officers and follow their advice.

Improve your chances of a successful catch and avoid known danger areas, reduce the risk at least.

I think if you knew where a croc was you would try and avoid it at all cost

That's part of the problem .....if you see 1 in that situation it's probably going to be a near miss or worse case scenario you get taken

 

[weststigers]

The broader point I was trying to raise is that you have a far greater chance of being killed by another human being than by a croc.

That was in response to the “final solution doctrine “ that @Tucker was enunciating arising from his deep sorrow over an acquaintance being attacked and presumably, consumed whilst alive.

Hard to think of a worse way to leave us.

I’m city bred etc but I spent some time in the country. I learned a lot.

The thing about the country is you kind of face the reality of death more frequently. Dead wildlife on the roads and stuff in particular. You can kind of get familiar or less sensitive about it.

In the city, a dead kangaroo on the street would draw a lot of attention and a royal commission.

A croc in the city is a wonder to behold at a zoo. People admire them!

I’ve still got a good friend (ex cop now a govt investigator) and acquaintances from my stint in the county from many years ago. When I retire, if I can, I’m leaving the city for dust. Gooone!!

A broader point poorly made. Do better.

 

[TSP]

A broader point poorly made. Do better.

Why?

I think readers got the point.

If you want to bring it to the national level, i think it remains a valid contrast.

 

[TSP]

I think if you knew where a croc was you would try and avoid it at all cost

That's part of the problem .....if you see 1 in that situation it's probably going to be a near miss or worse case scenario you get taken

Yes, that’s why I think it’s wise to get the good oil on the area.

If the wildlife official says the area is full of crocs, you’d be best to fish somewhere else.

No guarantee, but better than wandering into croc haven accidentally.

Maybe a bit like swimming in certain spots where conditions can become lethal quickly.

 

[NT_Tiger]

Old croc he’s just doing his thing. He’s not trying to scare and frighten anyone, no need for an AVO.

View attachment 15174
Just try to avoid him and fish somewhere else would be my opinion…maybe contact the local wildlife officers and follow their advice.

Improve your chances of a successful catch and avoid known danger areas, reduce the risk at least.

That's a photo of a freshwater croc, not an estuarine croc. Nowhere near as dangerous.

 

[TSP]

That's a photo of a freshwater croc, not an estuarine croc. Nowhere near as dangerous.

Yeah, from the Sydney Zoo.

But you raise a good point in differentiating types of crocs and known behaviours, because i doubt many people would be able distinguish between them.

Obviously I didn’t.

Maybe @Tucker could, I’m not sure.

There could be some signage or an iPhone app about local crocs in the region

And the fisher or person who wants to partake in the area could make a more informed view.

Maybe like swimming in parts of the ocean. You might want to avoid an area where great white sharks congregate.

And to be balanced, here in the city, there’s certain roads that might have a high kill or maim rate for pedestrians etc.

 

[happy_tiger]

Yes, that’s why I think it’s wise to get the good oil on the area.

If the wildlife official says the area is full of crocs, you’d be best to fish somewhere else.

No guarantee, but better than wandering into croc haven accidentally.

Maybe a bit like swimming in certain spots where conditions can become lethal quickly.

From Mackay north they are in big numbers ....when you are talking somewhere between 8 to 15 per kilometre of creek as someone else mentioned the only fishing remotely safe is in boats on the reef .....
The only time I have land based fished north of Mackay was in the late 1970s up in Cairns ......on a clear beach and on rocks

 

[TV Ted Ellery]

I knew that...hence was trying to understand what on Earth TSP was talking about. Why are we quoting global statistics? Not every country has crocodiles, but almost every country has homicides.

It's like comparing murders to bear attacks or Ananconda attacks in Australia. The chances of these attacks in Australia are zero. But your global stats would indicate there is some chance. Furthermore, the global stats would dilute the chances of attack for the countries that actually had these animals because you are including countries which have homicides, but don't have these animals.

2023 had 409 homicides in Australia. Not sure where youbgot 230 from. There are about 2 fatal crocodile attacks per year on average since 1965 i believe. These are the numbers in Australia.

There have been 44 fatal crocodile attacks in Australia since the early 70s which is roughly one/year: https://www.smh.com.au/environment/...k-why-people-become-prey-20240806-p5jzwi.html.

I was relying on our of date data for the homicide rate. In 2021, there were 234 homicides and 247 homicides in 2022:.https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-29/homicide-australia-report-half-women-killed-intimate-partner/103782392. Not sure whether the numbers were suppressed due to lockdowns.

 

[happy_tiger]

Yeah, from the Sydney Zoo.

But you raise a good point in differentiating types of crocs and known behaviours, because i doubt many people would be able distinguish between them.

Obviously I didn’t.

Maybe @Tucker could, I’m not sure.

There could be some signage or an iPhone app about local crocs in the region

And the fisher or person who wants to partake in the area could make a more informed view.

Maybe like swimming in parts of the ocean. You might want to avoid an area where great white sharks congregate.

And to be balanced, here in the city, there’s certain roads that might have a high kill or maim rate for pedestrians etc.

All rivers have warning signs for crocs ....all the rivers in Gladstone do

 

[weststigers]

There have been 44 fatal crocodile attacks in Australia since the early 70s which is roughly one/year: https://www.smh.com.au/environment/...k-why-people-become-prey-20240806-p5jzwi.html.

I was relying on our of date data for the homicide rate. In 2021, there were 234 homicides and 247 homicides in 2022:.https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-29/homicide-australia-report-half-women-killed-intimate-partner/103782392. Not sure whether the numbers were suppressed due to lockdowns.

Yeah...so on average around 2 per year.