Police in Queensland, Australia, have discovered human remains believed to be of a missing fisherman inside a crocodile. The man, identified as Kevin Darmody by local media, was reported missing last Saturday after he had taken his boat to Rinyirru National Park on the Kennedy River. Two crocodiles were found in the area, and the remains were found during a post-mortem examination of one of them. Queensland is home to both saltwater crocodiles, which have been known to attack humans, and more docile freshwater crocodiles. Tragically, Darmody’s death marks the thirteenth fatal crocodile attack in Queensland since the records began.
Despite the implementation of a management programme to remove and euthanise “problem crocodiles” in public areas where they pose a risk, crocodile populations have rebounded since Queensland banned hunting for them in 1974, with roughly 30,000 crocodiles now resident in the state. Queensland coastal regions are known as “Croc Country”, and visitors are advised to be “Crocwise”, staying away from water, not feeding the animals, and being aware of their sense of smell and ambush tactics. The Queensland government recorded eight fatal attacks and 17 non-fatal attacks between 1985 and 2016.
The fishermen with Darmody at the time did not witness the attack but reported hearing him yell followed by a loud splash. After the two-day search, police euthanized two large crocodiles. It is believed that both crocodiles were involved in the incident. Crocodile attacks in Australia are relatively rare, but when they do occur, they can be fatal, with 46 recorded in Queensland from 1975 to 2019, 16 of which were mortal.
Darmody was a well-known member of the community in Cape York, where everyone is aware of the danger posed by crocodiles. The tragedy has re-invigorated calls for greater safety counseling for those fishing near designated crocodile conservation areas. The authorities need to do more significant work to educate people and make them aware of the dangers associated with Australia’s various wildlife, including crocodiles, and ensure they know how to protect themselves. It is also essential to minimize the interaction between crocodiles and humans as it is the only way to prevent these kinds of tragic incidents from happening again.
Crocodiles have been in existence for millions of years, and as the pandemic restrictions ease and people begin to spend more time outdoors, it is essential to keep in mind that humans have been lucky to have avoided such situations. However, the risks are very real, and we need to show a little caution to enjoy nature while also respecting the animals who share this planet with us. Queensland’s government and other relevant authorities must do more to provide clear guidelines and educate the public on how to avoid accidents like these and ensure everyone’s safety. Crocodile attacks are a preventable cause of death, and people must take their safety seriously.
In conclusion, the tragedy of Darmody’s death highlights the danger posed by crocodiles as an inherent part of Australia’s ecosystem and the need for people to remain vigilant when fishing or camping near crocodile habitats. The authorities must do more to provide clear guidelines to the public to prevent further deaths from crocodile attacks. At the same time, people should display caution while engaging in outdoor activities to make sure everyone stays safe.
