Missing 12-Year-Old Girl's Remains Discovered After Croc Attack by River Bank; Why Are Crocodiles So Aggressive?

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The remains of the young girl were observed to have injuries that were consistent with an aggressive croc attack.

This incident caused her family to be in a grave state of shock.

Missing 12-Year-Old Girl's Remains Found

After taking a swim in Mango Creek in the Northern Territory of Australia, the 12-year-old girl reportedly went missing.

Police were finally able to find her remains by a river bank. Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson from the Northern Territory Police shared that the outcome was notably devastating, sad, and gruesome.

Her remains were discovered after extensive search efforts were made. Up to 36 hours had passed before her remains were finally found.

Because of such a gruesome incident, her family was in immense shock and disbelief. Along with the local community, the family has been receiving support from officers in light of this gruesome incident.

Minister Brent Potter of the Northern Territory Police shared that they live in areas where crocodiles fill the waters. This serves as a grave reminder not to

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Crocodile Population in the Northern Territory

Australia's Northern Territory is where the largest wild crocodile population all over the world can be found. More than 100,000 different saltwater and freshwater crocodile species dwell within the region.

In fact, the Northern Territory is considered the best place all over the world for witnessing live crocodiles in the wild.

The 100,000 crocodiles that dwell in the Northern Territory already make up half of the crocodiles, amounting to 200,000 predators, that can be found all over Australia.

The saltwater crocodile species are more common and dangerous. These crocs slide along the Territory's waterways and coastlines.

Though they like feasting on fish, they would eat anything. Their diet may cover buffaloes, cows, birds, turtles, and crabs.

Why Are Crocodiles So Aggressive?

Each year, roughly 1,000 individuals are estimated to be killed by saltwater crocodiles all over the world. In Australia, such croc attacks on humans are quite rare. Per year, there are one to two recorded fatalities.

Roughly 23 of the living crocodilians today are considered dangerous to humans.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, these creatures may attack humans due to four reasons. These include hunger, defense of territory, defense of their young, self-defense, or intentions to attack a different species that happened to be near a human.

The 12-year-old girl's death serves as the first since 2018 since a fatal croc attack was seen in the Northern Territory. Local police are hoping to capture the crocodile behind the attack by having some crocodile traps set up in the waterway.

The Northern Territory Government advises against interfering, harassing, provoking, and feeding crocodiles as these could all be dangerous. It is also important to be extra cautious at night and in the breeding season.