He was leaning towards the portable refrigerator and, when he turned around, he found the head of a large crocodile in front of him. It happened to a fisherman who was alone on the Mary River, in the Northern Territory of Australia: the reptile had climbed into the boat and retreated only after the man hit it on the head with the fishing rod.
Unharmed, but the boat bears tooth marks
David Ciaravolo, president of the Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the Northern Territory, told the Australian broadcaster ABC News about the episode. The fisherman, who asked to remain anonymous, emerged unharmed but very shaken. He had to use the cane to defend himself and push the animal away, explained Ciaravolo, according to whom the crocodile appeared very quickly and silently. Photos released after the encounter show claw scratches on the side of the boat and tooth marks: the hull, he said, was damaged.
For the president of the association, the episode is a warning for everyone: even the most experienced fishermen can be caught by surprise.
As the weather warms, crocodiles become more territorial
The meeting comes as northern Australia enters the transition period into the crocodile breeding season. According to researcher Grahame Webb, with warmer water the animals become more territorial and active, some specimens are pushed to move and, by moving more, they need more food. For this reason, he explains, it is a time of year when particular caution is needed.
Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife rangers have already carried out an inspection of the area and have announced that they will continue operations until the crocodile is removed.