A 36-year-old man, under the influence of alcohol, managed to survive after climbing into a crocodile enclosure in Australia and trying to ride a 5m (16ft) long crocodile.
The crocodile, named Fatso, bit the man’s leg, resulting in significant flesh being torn away as he attempted to sit on the 800kg (1,800lb) reptile.
According to police, he underwent surgery for serious leg wounds and is currently recuperating in the hospital.
After being removed from a pub in Broome for excessive drunkenness, the man climbed over a fence to engage with the crocodile.
“The man straddled the crocodile, which didn’t appreciate the intrusion and bit him on the right leg,” explained Sgt Roger Haynes of Broome police during a news briefing.
“After the crocodile released him, he was able to scale the fence once again and exit the wildlife park.”
‘Right mind‘
Malcolm Douglas, the owner of the park, mentioned that a single bite from the crocodile could potentially kill a person.
“The individual who breached the enclosure was lucky because Fatso was less active than usual, likely due to the cooler temperatures we’ve been experiencing in Broome,” Mr. Douglas noted.
“Had it been warmer and Fatso more alert, we probably would have been facing a fatal incident.”
“Any rational person would not attempt to sit on a crocodile measuring 5m; once saltwater crocodiles seize you, they are infamous for not letting go.”
The intoxicated man staggered back to the pub, heavily bleeding.
According to pub manager Mark Phillips, staff recounted that the man returned around 11pm, disheveled and covered in bark, with chunks of flesh missing from his limbs.
“They described how he had significant gouges in his legs and similar injuries,” Mr. Phillips shared with The West Australian news outlet.
In Australia, an average of two individuals lose their lives annually due to aggressive saltwater crocodiles, which can reach lengths of up to 7m (23ft) and weigh over a tonne.
