A tragic incident occurred in Cambodia when a 72-year-old man lost his life after falling into an enclosure housing approximately 40 crocodiles at his family’s reptile farm, according to a report by The Straits Times.
The unfortunate incident took place while the man was attempting to relocate a crocodile from a cage where it had laid eggs.
As he used a stick to prod the crocodile, the reptile seized the stick and pulled the man into the enclosure.
Following this unfortunate event, the group of crocodiles turned aggressive, attacking and dismembering the man, tearing him apart within the confines of the concrete enclosure until he was dead.
The farm in Siem Reap was left with a disturbing scene as the blood of the deceased covered the enclosure.
According to Mey Savry, the police chief of Siem Reap commune, the incident unfolded as the man tried to chase away a crocodile from the cage used for egg-laying.
The crocodile’s reaction to the stick resulted in the man’s accidental fall into the enclosure. The other crocodiles quickly joined in, attacking him until his demise.
The man’s remains, after being recovered from the enclosure, bore numerous bite marks, and one of his arms was bitten off and eaten by the crocodiles.
Regrettably, this is not the first instance of a fatal encounter with crocodiles in the area. In 2019, a two-year-old girl met a similar fate after straying into her family’s reptile farm within the same village, as reported by the police chief.
Siem Reap, known as the gateway city to the renowned Angkor Wat ruins, is home to several crocodile farms, where the reptiles are reared for their meat, skin and eggs.
Why crocodiles are dangerous
Powerful Jaws and Brutal Strength: One of the primary reasons why crocodiles pose a significant threat is their immensely powerful jaws. Equipped with razor-sharp teeth and an impressive bite force, crocodiles can deliver bone-crushing attacks. With a single snap of their jaws, they can exert an enormous amount of pressure, effectively disabling their prey or potential threats.
Ambush Predators and Lightning-Fast Strikes: Crocodiles are skilled ambush predators, lurking silently beneath the water’s surface, often leaving only their eyes and nostrils exposed. They possess an uncanny ability to remain concealed, making it difficult to detect their presence until it’s too late. With lightning-fast strikes, crocodiles can swiftly capture their unsuspecting victims, dragging them underwater before they have a chance to react.
Territorial and Protective Behavior: Crocodiles are highly territorial creatures, fiercely defending their hunting grounds, nests, and young. Encroaching upon their territory, especially during breeding or nesting seasons, can trigger their aggressive instincts. Approaching a crocodile’s nest or getting too close to their young can provoke an immediate and potentially fatal response.
Unpredictability and Adaptability: Crocodiles are highly adaptable creatures, capable of thriving in various aquatic environments. Their ability to survive in both freshwater and saltwater habitats, combined with their impressive camouflage and stealth, allows them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Their unpredictable behavior makes it challenging to anticipate their movements or avoid potential encounters.