Tourist swimming “waterholes” in Australia’s famous Kakadu National Park have been closed because of a record numbers of crocodile “incidents” being reported.
According to the Independent Online website, saltwater crocodiles have been attacking boats, with one fisherman claiming that one of the reptiles jumped on to his boat and bit him on the head.
Park ranger Garry Lindner is quoted as saying: “The number of crocodile incidents has increased. We have got to be prepared on a daily basis for an incident even though they might only occur every now and then.”
Referring to one site that has been closed, Twin Falls, he added: “It was just too dangerous. In some sections it was just too deep, and you couldn’t guarantee that it would be saltie-free all year round.”
Despite the obvious dangers posed by the giant creatures, there have been just two recorded fatalities caused by Kakadu’s crocodiles – one in 2002 and one in 1987. Some 170,000 people visit the park each year.
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd www.newsfromabroad.com
