Calls for the return of crocodiles after a tourist mauled them while swimming

A 67-year-old man was attacked at the popular Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park in the Northern Territory. Credit: Andrew Michael/UIG

Culling of crocodiles could be restarted in Australia after a tourist was attacked in the tropical north of the country.

A 67-year-old man was rushed to hospital after being mauled by a 2-meter animal . A long saltwater crocodile at a popular swimming spot called Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park in the Northern Territory on Monday.

An attack on a popular scenic spot that should have been crocodile-free has reignited debate about whether not too How many reptiles are now in the mangrove swamps, estuaries and rivers of tropical northern Australia.

Hunting and culling of crocodiles was banned in the 1970s, and since then the population has grown exponentially.

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In the Northern Territory alone, the population has grown from 3,000 in the 1970s to about 100,000 people. Neighboring Queensland and Western Australia also have significant populations of saltwater crocodiles.

“I think it’s time for us to consider whether we need to go back to culling, given the significant increase in the crocodile population and the impact that this has not only on our tourists and visitors, but also on local residents,” Natasha Files conference on Tuesday said the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory. «I think this is a conversation that needs to be held.»

She said she will discuss the matter with the federal government in Canberra.

«I think we are very grateful for the result yesterday but I think it could be more tragic in the future,” Ms Files said. was supposed to be crocodile free, will remain closed for a few days

Dozens of tourists were ordered out of the water. “Everyone was shouting “croc, crocodile!” He sort of jumped out, saw people closer to the waterfall and made a B-line for them, ”said one of the witnesses. Two hikers had to climb the rocks next to the waterfall to escape the crocodile as it swam through the waterhole.

The Salty was shot and pulled from the water by park rangers hours after the attack.

< p>The beauty will be closed for a few days so that rangers can assess if there are still crocodiles in the area.

According to eyewitnesses, the victim of the attack was shot in the arm and was in a state of shock.

“My family and kids were swimming in the water when people started yelling for everyone to get out,” said Taneka Starr. , a Tasmanian police officer who was among the vacationers.

«We formed a circle together to make sure we all got out of the water safely together, especially the children,» said Chief Constable Starr. , according to a statement released by the Tasmanian police.

“Then we saw that the man had a hand injury, and together with the sisters provided first aid. It was quite a terrible experience.”

Reservoirs such as Vanga Falls are closed during the rainy season due to the presence of saltwater crocodiles. When the dry season hits in southern hemisphere winter, they are reopened after being inspected by rangers.

But authorities say it's impossible to guarantee that any river or basin in northern Australia is 100 percent crocodile-free.

The Northern Territory Government, in a public awareness campaign called Be Crocwise, states: “Ultimately, how you behave in crocodile habitats is your responsibility. Large and potentially dangerous crocodiles can live in any body of water in the Upper.

Recently there have been several attacks in Australia. In May, a man snorkeling off the coast of Queensland described how he ripped the jaws off the head of a crocodile that had attacked him in the sea.

“I thought it was a shark, but when I stretched, I realized that it is a crocodile. I was able to open his mouth just enough to pull his head out,” said 51-year-old Marcus McGowan.

In April, a recreational fisherman was killed by a crocodile while fishing for barramundi in Rignirra (Lakefield). ) A national park in north Queensland.

The remains of 65-year-old Kevin Darmody, owner of a pub in a small town in the outback, were found in the stomachs of two crocodiles shot by rangers.

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