Tragedy struck in Queensland, Australia, when a crocodile mauled a 14-year-old boy. People Magazine shares that the attack happened at Myall Beach in Queensland on Saturday, October 25.
14-Year-Old Boy Mauled By Crocodile
Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) shared that the attack happened at Myall Beach at Cape Tribulation. There have been four crocodile sightings at the area in the past month. Paramedics arrived at the scene after people reported the mauling. According to the Queensland Ambulance Service, the young boy suffered injuries to his leg and abdomen.
The Guardian shared that the young boy had been fishing in thigh-high water right before his attack. ABC shared that the boy did receive some initial first aid after being mauled by the crocodile. ABC shares that some nurses who were staying at the hostel helped the child until paramedics arrived. Then he was transported to the hospital, where he is still recovering. Rangers are currently investigating the attack.
Are Crocodile Attacks Common In Australia?
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Despite the absolute horror of this situation, crocodile attacks are not overwhelmingly common — even in Australia. The Sydney Morning Herald shares that even though crocodile attacks have been increasing, "on average, about one or two people are killed by saltwater crocodiles every year nationally." Additionally, they shared that crocodiles are responsible for 30 deaths of people in Australia over the past 25 years.
The peak year for crocodile-related deaths was in 2014. While this may seem like a lot, crocodile researcher Brandon Sideleau states that the country does not have a crocodile problem. He argues that given the amount of time and opportunities that people and crocodiles have to interact, the attacks are far less common than they could be.
Furthermore, he points out how other countries suffer far more crocodile attacks. For example, he shared that in "Indonesia, there were at least 85 people killed last year by saltwater crocodiles." Most of those attacks also occurred against fishermen. When asked why crocodiles attack humans, he said that the answer is truly simple. "Because they are hungry and humans are food."
Once crocodiles learn that humans are easy prey, they will continue to attack regardless of location. While he admitted that humans were not typical prey for the reptile, he shared that if the opportunity presents itself or if there is not enough of their other prey, humans are easily added to the menu. Unfortunately, the young boy who was mauled by a crocodile in Australia appeared at the wrong place at the wrong time, and apparently seemed like easy prey.
