A family in Queensland, Australia, is heartbroken after drone footage confirmed their missing dog was taken into the water by an opportunistic crocodile.
Yahoo News Australia reports on the sad saga of the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton. The family believe Nigel, a 16-month-old Rottweiler, was attacked on the doorstep of their home in Port Curtis.
Belgian tourist Minco de Bruin captured the shocking footage and shared it on Facebook. There, Nigel’s owners saw the video and realized their dog was missing.
“It was only a matter of time before something worse happened,” Nigel’s owner told Seven News.
While the comments hint at the risks to humans, crocodile expert John Lever insists that as apex predators, crocodiles do not discriminate. They will attack anything near water.
“Whether it’s a dog, a pig, or a human being near water, if there are alligators there, of course there’s a risk,” Lever told Yahoo News. “Their numbers are increasing, so everyone has to always be vigilant.”
Queensland’s Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation echoed the sentiment, urging residents and visitors to “remain vigilant”. Lever noted that alligators have larger appetites during warmer months, which may increase the risk.
Queensland officials have unveiled a series of instructions to keep residents safe. These include staying away from the water, obeying signs, not leaving food near the water and avoiding small craft such as canoes and kayaks. Additionally, setting up camp at least 50 meters (164 feet) from a body of water can reduce the risk of encounters.
Ultimately, increased human settlements and recreational activities near alligator habitats may lead to more interactions between humans and alligators.
For Nigel’s owners, it was devastating that this time proved fatal. Hopefully, future incidents can be avoided by raising awareness. Officials have laid out the dangers they pose in stark terms.
“Alligators are apex predators that use ambush tactics, such as lying in wait by the water’s edge, to capture prey,” DETSI officials wrote in a statement, according to Yahoo News. “…Any body of water in alligator country can be considered alligator-free.”
Get TCD’s free newsletter for simple tips to save more, reduce waste and make smarter choices, and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD’s exclusive Rewards Club.
