Heart-stopping video reveals local fisherman's alarming mistake
By
VanessaC
- Replies 14
Everyone has heard stories about the potential dangers of the Australian wild (maybe you even have stories of your own?), but this incident is one of the most heart-stopping yet.
Tez Blackmore, a British expat, made a shocking discovery–a local fisherman was just inches away from a six-foot-tall (182cm) crocodile. He was so dumbstruck he couldn’t help but document the moment on video.
'I’ve seen some stupid things in Australia and some f***ing stupid people, but this takes the p***,' Tez said in his video.
In a second clip, the fisherman can be seen casually walking past the large crocodile. As many Far North Queenslanders know, crocodiles are less active in the winter, so this local could have been lulled into a false sense of security and putting himself, and the crocodile, at risk.
But Tez Blackmore is not revealing the location of the incident as he’s worried about the crocodile’s safety.
If people keep visiting the spot where the video was taken, the crocodile might become too comfortable around humans–which could mean a removal order from the authorities.
‘He’s a pretty big croc, and he’s not a nuisance, so the last thing I’d want is for anything to happen to him,’ Tez said.
Crocodile Expert Tommy Hayes is calling for laws to be reformed in Queensland so those who take risks around wild crocodiles face significant penalties for their actions–just weeks after the news of fishing influencers invading crocodile territory while angling was released.
'What the guy is doing in the video is beyond complacency, it’s f***ing st*****ty,' Hayes said.
He added, 'Where he’s standing is maybe 10 or 15 metres from the crocodile. I’ve got goosebumps and not the good kind.'
Crocodiles, according to Hayes, are creatures of habit, and they get used to humans. They just know that humans won’t hurt them and are more likely to strike when given an opportunity.
'It’s a natural behaviour caused by unnatural things. But that behaviour isn’t caused by the crocodile, it’s caused by humans,' Hayes said.
Wildlife Safety Tips When Exploring Outdoors
Navigating the outdoors can be an exhilarating experience. Still, it's vital to remember that our land is home to some of the most unique and dangerous creatures in the world. Here are a few tips to ensure that your interactions with the great Aussie outdoors are both safe and rewarding experiences.
First, it's vital to educate yourself about the area you're visiting. Every region has its share of native creatures, from the cunning crocs in Far North Queensland and the venomous snakes of South Australia to the kangaroos of Victoria–knowing what's out there and how they behave is an essential step to staying safe.
This also helps avoid nightmare situations, such as the time when a family when a toddler sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries after being attacked by a wild animal at a national park. You can read more about this here.
A trip to the local Visitor Information Centre can serve as a brief and valuable education on which creatures are present in the area.
Second, don't approach wildlife–no matter how intriguing or harmless they appear. A snapshot with a crocodile or snake isn't worth an unexpected hospital trip.
If you're eager for a closer encounter with Australia's wildlife, visit one of the many accredited zoos or animal sanctuaries nationwide. These places offer a platform to get up and close to wild creatures in a controlled and safe manner.
Lastly, take note of any warning signs posted in the areas you're exploring. If a sign on a swimming hole warns you of crocodiles, don't ignore it.
What are your thoughts on this story, dear members? Have you encountered something similar before? Let us know in the comments below!
Tez Blackmore, a British expat, made a shocking discovery–a local fisherman was just inches away from a six-foot-tall (182cm) crocodile. He was so dumbstruck he couldn’t help but document the moment on video.
'I’ve seen some stupid things in Australia and some f***ing stupid people, but this takes the p***,' Tez said in his video.
In a second clip, the fisherman can be seen casually walking past the large crocodile. As many Far North Queenslanders know, crocodiles are less active in the winter, so this local could have been lulled into a false sense of security and putting himself, and the crocodile, at risk.
But Tez Blackmore is not revealing the location of the incident as he’s worried about the crocodile’s safety.
If people keep visiting the spot where the video was taken, the crocodile might become too comfortable around humans–which could mean a removal order from the authorities.
‘He’s a pretty big croc, and he’s not a nuisance, so the last thing I’d want is for anything to happen to him,’ Tez said.
Crocodile Expert Tommy Hayes is calling for laws to be reformed in Queensland so those who take risks around wild crocodiles face significant penalties for their actions–just weeks after the news of fishing influencers invading crocodile territory while angling was released.
'What the guy is doing in the video is beyond complacency, it’s f***ing st*****ty,' Hayes said.
He added, 'Where he’s standing is maybe 10 or 15 metres from the crocodile. I’ve got goosebumps and not the good kind.'
Crocodiles, according to Hayes, are creatures of habit, and they get used to humans. They just know that humans won’t hurt them and are more likely to strike when given an opportunity.
'It’s a natural behaviour caused by unnatural things. But that behaviour isn’t caused by the crocodile, it’s caused by humans,' Hayes said.
Wildlife Safety Tips When Exploring Outdoors
Navigating the outdoors can be an exhilarating experience. Still, it's vital to remember that our land is home to some of the most unique and dangerous creatures in the world. Here are a few tips to ensure that your interactions with the great Aussie outdoors are both safe and rewarding experiences.
First, it's vital to educate yourself about the area you're visiting. Every region has its share of native creatures, from the cunning crocs in Far North Queensland and the venomous snakes of South Australia to the kangaroos of Victoria–knowing what's out there and how they behave is an essential step to staying safe.
This also helps avoid nightmare situations, such as the time when a family when a toddler sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries after being attacked by a wild animal at a national park. You can read more about this here.
A trip to the local Visitor Information Centre can serve as a brief and valuable education on which creatures are present in the area.
Second, don't approach wildlife–no matter how intriguing or harmless they appear. A snapshot with a crocodile or snake isn't worth an unexpected hospital trip.
If you're eager for a closer encounter with Australia's wildlife, visit one of the many accredited zoos or animal sanctuaries nationwide. These places offer a platform to get up and close to wild creatures in a controlled and safe manner.
Lastly, take note of any warning signs posted in the areas you're exploring. If a sign on a swimming hole warns you of crocodiles, don't ignore it.
Key Takeaways
- Tez Blackmore, a British expat in Australia, filmed a highly risky incident involving a local man fishing dangerously close to a large crocodile.
- The footage shows the man casually walking by the crocodile, which puts both his life and the reptile's life in jeopardy.
- The video was received with shock, and the act has been condemned as reckless, even by Queensland’s prominent crocodile expert Tommy Hayes.
- Hayes urges for legal reforms in Queensland, suggesting significant penalties for individuals displaying such risky behaviours around wild crocodiles to prevent both harm to humans and adverse effects on the crocodiles’ behaviour.
What are your thoughts on this story, dear members? Have you encountered something similar before? Let us know in the comments below!