Australian Community Cooks and Feasts on Saltwater Crocodile That Terrorized Them

In a remote Australian community, a 12-foot saltwater crocodile created panic by attacking dogs and lunging at children and adults. The local police reported that the reptile had been "stalking and lunging out of the water at children and adults," and had also taken several community dogs. This alarming situation led to the decision to deal with the predator.

Local Intervention and Traditional Feast

Following discussions with elders and traditional landowners in the Bulla community, the Northern Territory police took action and eliminated the threatening crocodile. Subsequently, the community decided to honor the occasion by preparing a feast in the traditional manner, utilizing the reptile as the main ingredient.

Utilization of the Crocodile

The 12-foot crocodile, which had migrated to a river near homes due to floods, was utilized in various dishes, as confirmed by Sergeant Andrew McBride. The cooking methods included the preparation of crocodile tail soup, barbecuing, and wrapping pieces in banana leaves for underground cooking, resulting in a significant and traditional feast.

Community Safety and Resolution

Commander Kylie Anderson emphasized the potential threat that crocodiles pose to community safety and commended the collaborative efforts of the officers and residents in resolving the issue. The Northern Territory government's risk-based strategic management approach to crocodile activity was also highlighted as an essential measure in dealing with such risks.

Recurring Crocodile Encounters

The incident adds to the series of encounters between crocodiles and humans in Australia, which have been a cause for concern. Notably, earlier this year, there was an instance of a crocodile jumping onto a fisherman's boat in Queensland, and last year, a prominent political figure in the Northern Territory suggested the reevaluation of crocodile culling due to an attack at a popular swimming spot.

Recent Crocodile Attacks in Australia

May 2023 witnessed a man surviving a crocodile attack while snorkeling off the coast of North Queensland. In the same month, the remains of an Australian man were found inside two crocodiles after he went missing on a fishing trip in crocodile-infested waters. These events continue to underscore the challenges posed by interactions between humans and crocodiles in Australia.