Crocodiles and alligators are two of the most skillful predators of nature that eat just about anything, even humans, if given the chance. They lurk in the water, waiting for their prey before they lurch into a surprise attack? So how can people escape these predators to save their lives?
The Sun reported that a fisherman from Kariba, Zimbabwe was lucky enough to escape the four crocodiles that attacked and dragged him underwater thanks to his pals and a technique that helped him get away from them.
Four Crocodiles Mauled and Dragged A Fisherman Underwater With the Death Roll; Pals Saved the Man
Crocodile 'Death Roll' Almost Killed A Fisherman
Alexander Chimedza had narrowly escaped alive after being attacked by four crocodiles and dragged underwater in a "death roll" in which one crocodile was clamped on each limb.
Chimedza told the Herald newspaper that the crocodiles were obviously waiting for him to get near because they immediately attacked the moment he touched the weeds. One crocodile tried to grab his left hand, but he instinctively dodged it.
Meanwhile, another one grabbed his right hand and pulled him to the murky water, where another crocodile tried to kill him via the "death roll" maneuver and spun him six times. According to Science Daily, the combat move is common among alligators and crocodiles, and they use it to injure their prey lethally.
"I realized that my hand would break if I resisted," he told the Herald. "So, I allowed my hand to go in the direction it turned."
But his plight worsened when a third and fourth crocodile latched onto his thigh and ankle, respectively. He was saved by his pals after 40 minutes of combat with the cros while they stone the four beasts from the river bank.
Also, he found an opportunity to shove down a croc's throat when he got one hand free. His friends pulled him via a stick and called an ambulance immediately.
He will need months of nursing at home to recover.
Tips to Escape From A Crocodile Attack
According to a previous report from Science Times, crocodiles attack humans because they have associated humans with food. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Crocodile Specialist Group has identified eight best-known crocodile species that attack humans, including saltwater crocodiles.
Wildlife presenter and crocodile fan Chris Packham told Emergency Essentials that there are no weak points across a crocodile's body, so people should know the following techniques to be able to escape from a crocodile attack:
- Gouge Their Eyes- Experts say that this is the only way to fight back a croc as this is the only vulnerable part of their body.
- Attack Their Palatal Valve- If it is not possible to gouge their eyes, try attacking their nostrils, ears, or palatal valve. It is part of their mouth that prevents water and air from entering their throat so they would not drown. If a croc is pulling its prey underwater, it may be possible to push the valve down and let water flow into its throat.
- Roll With Them- If all efforts fail and they start doing the death roll, just roll with it in the same direction to avoid causing extensive damage or limb loss. Since it needs a lot of energy, the croc would rest before performing another roll. At this time, fight the croc once more and go for its eyes, nostrils, or palatal valve.
But above all, the best strategy is to avoid getting attacked by crocodiles or alligators. Stay away from their habitats or areas where they usually stay and follow guidelines or rules in the area.
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