THE increase in crocodile attacks on humans has caused concern.
This happens mostly in the Vhembe district in Limpopo, where three incidents have occurred recently.
A 16-year-old teen was allegedly killed during a baptism, a fisherman was killed, and two boys aged 9 and 12 are now recovering in hospital after being attacked by crocodiles in different rivers.
These alarming events prompt Daily Sun to take a closer look at why crocodile attacks appear to be on the rise.
Dr Jan Myburgh, an expert in toxicology from the Department of Paraclinical Sciences at the University of Pretoria, explained the factors contributing to this worrying trend.
Myburgh worked with several crocodile specialists, including Dr Simon Pooley from the School of Social Sciences at Birkbeck University of London, to shed light on the issue.
Contrary to the popular perception of aggressive behaviour, crocodile attacks are usually due to predators being attacked by large crocodiles, according to the specialists.
"Younger crocodiles can make mistakes when they try to attack large prey, such as adult humans. Also, attacks can occur from a defensive position when humans stand on crocodiles in muddy water or provoke them," Myburgh said.
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Dr Pooley pointed out certain scenarios in which crocodile attacks can occur, including cases where a mother is defending her nest or young.
"That being said, a mother may defend her nest or young (hatchlings usually hatch in January/February in South Africa, the nests earlier), but examples of this are rare," he said.
He said large males may attack canoes during the breeding season, mistaking them for rivals.
"The issue of 'conflict' arises between human stakeholders in relation to negative interactions with wildlife, particularly crocodile attacks. Crocodiles, as stealth predators, pose a major challenge when humans utilise natural water sources inhabited by these animals," Dr Pooley said.
He emphasised that in such environments it is extremely difficult to escape a determined, large and hungry crocodile.
Dr Pooley advises people who want to take precautions not to assume that large crocodiles cannot hide in small or shallow waters.
"Crocodiles are camouflaged and difficult to spot in dirty water. They can stay underwater for over an hour and accelerate quickly when they attack," he said.
Safety considerations include finding or creating safe places to fetch water, wash or cross waters frequented by crocodiles. As part of public awareness, education about safety around crocodiles should start with children, and seasonal warnings in the press can remind people when attacks are more likely.
The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment, and Tourism (LEDET) expressed its deep concern about deaths or injuries due to human-wildlife conflict.
"In view of the heavy rains in the past two months and the expected rains in the next four months, the department is highlighting the possible displacement of wildlife, especially aquatic life. We have urged the public to exercise caution and not to cross fast flowing rivers, fish alone in crocodile areas and not to send children near such areas," the department said.
The department emphasised the importance of reporting wildlife activity to the authorities.
"We caution against capturing, provoking or approaching wildlife and assure the public that we have well-trained rangers to take care of stray wildlife and ensure the safety of the public."
