A fisherman who thought it was a good idea to tease a saltwater crocodile was surprised when the reptile pounced on him, almost knocking him into the water. Kody Duncan was fishing near Cairns, Queensland, when he saw the crocodile lying peacefully in the water next to some large rocks. Duncan says he still doesn’t understand what was going through his mind when he dipped the fishing rod bait over the crocodile’s head, causing the animal to furious response.
According to The Daily Mail, Duncan was fishing at Wujal Wujal Falls, north of Cairns, Queensland, and received a video of the incident as it was happening. Duncan saw a crocodile sitting quietly underwater, almost camouflaged by the rocks. He zoomed in on the creature and can be heard sarcastically referring to it as a “strange log”.
Duncan wasn’t content to just see the crocodile and get on with his day. Instead, the fisherman began splashing his fishing rod bait over the crocodile’s head, trying to get the animal’s attention. Saltwater crocodiles, even babies, are known to be one of the most aggressive species in the world.
Duncan had barely dipped the bait into the water twice before the alligator decided enough was enough. He suddenly came out of the water towards Duncan, who was still filming the incident. The footage turns chaotic as the man tries to get back and away from the grumpy crocodile.
Duncan clearly didn’t expect the reptile to move towards him so quickly. He can be heard shouting and swearing as he runs away from the crocodile, while carrying the crocodiles. She later posted the footage on her TikTok account, where commenters clearly thought she was out of her mind. “Why did you think to do that?” one person asked. Duncan replied, “Honestly, I don’t know what went through my head.”
The Wujal Wujal Council makes it clear that people should not get so close to the water. “Our common local law recommends that you stay at least five meters from the edge of rivers, lagoons and water wells at all times. Our wildlife, even dangerous species like our crocodiles and snakes, tend to be shy with humans and they’d rather get out of your way unless you get too close to their territory.”