Croc Attack – The Sequel

A couple of weeks ago Brian Vander Weide posted a blog on a story of one man’s courage fending off the attack of a crocodile on his wife. We got a couple of responses on that one from very unlikely sources for our little in-house blog.

Here’s one that adds some scientific cred to the story:

This made me laugh! I lived in North Queensland, Australia, for three years, working as a zoologist, and yes the horrid estuarine crocodiles (I think that is their more "proper" title, because, yes, as you suggest, they can cross between fresh and salt water) do exist. Even as a zoologist I think they're horrid - they can get you on land, in rivers and in the ocean (they do look a bit silly in the ocean, but nevertheless they live there). Norm did a jolly good job saving his wife from one!

Here’s another from a regular reader from Down Under named Felicity, who lives in Tasmania – yes there really is a Tasmania.

Good Morning,

I live in Australia so read your blog the day after it has been written (Monday’s blog I read on Tuesday …) I log onto my Computer at work each morning and eagerly await it’s loading up so I can read the CovFel Blog which is full of biblical wisdom. I am thankful to God for the technology of the Internet.

I read with interest this morning about the Croc Attack and was prompted to email to talk about the difference between Salt and Fresh Water Crocodiles. I live in Tasmania which is the other end of the country so have never (apart from a 1 week visit to the Northern territory) had to interact with Crocs. And can not verify if children are taught to poke their eyes or what significance that has to a Croc.

“Salties” as they are affectionately called have a shorter and broader nose, compared to a long skinny nose of “freshies”. Fully grown Salties are a lot bigger (longer and wider) than Freshies. The other main difference between the too is the danger. The Aboriginals use to swim in swimming holes and rivers which contained fresh water crocodiles. I am not sure how friendly they actually are, but they are shy animals especially compared to the salt water crocodiles, which are very aggressive and will eat. They can’t chew their prey though and so drown it and shake it until it stops moving and then they can pull it apart.

Crocodiles are a protected species and so hunting and killing them, as was practiced in the past, is now illegal., This has led to an increase in Croc’s in the waterways and an increase in Croc’s in previously un-crocodile infested waters, resulting in an increase in Croc Attacks.

Interesting fact though, if you are walking along a river that has crocodiles (which I wouldn’t recommend) if you walk with a dog the Croc will take the dog before it takes you.

God Bless your team on your continued work and blessings you give to people all over the world through your blogging.

Maybe this is more info on carnivorous reptiles than you’d expect from a local church blog in a crocodile free zone in the Northeast US. But we couldn’t resist. Just to be safe, next time you walk near the Brandywine Creek, make sure to take your dog.