It would appear that these floods brought more than just water damage. After heavy rains caused major flooding in parts of the Northern Territory, residents had a lot to worry about. Not only did they need to be concerned with drowning or property damage, but the Australian town mayor also warned that following the flooding, crocodiles are “absolutely everywhere.”
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Crocodiles Are Everywhere Following Flooding In Australia
When sharing an update about the flooding and related operations, a Northern Territory police officer, Shaun Gill, shared a warning to the public. “There are crocs absolutely everywhere,” he stated. From there, he shared some safety protocols that may seem like basic knowledge.
He strongly encouraged people to avoid entering the flood waters. There were two main reasons for this piece of safety advice. First and foremost, the water is fast-flowing, and it can easily drag you in and under. Second, and no less terrifying, is that the water is where the crocodiles are most active. I don’t know about you, but knowing that I could drown and or be eaten by a croc is enough to keep me out of the water.
Additionally, he strongly encouraged the public to be “croc-wise” and to “exercise restraint.” Specifically, he asked people not to “cross water if you don’t know what it is like.” Often, water can look shallower or slower-moving than it is. Looks can be deceiving, and that momentary lapse in judgment could have dire consequences.
How Common Are Crocs And How Dangerous?
After learning that crocodiles are everywhere, you may be wondering just how many of these reptiles reside in this territory. Even before the flooding hit Australia, crocs loved to call this area home. People Magazine shares that “The Northern Territory is home to the world’s largest population of saltwater crocodile.” In case you need a number, there are “more than 100,000 of the reptiles lurking in Australian rivers and wetlands.”
While they typically stick to their own habitats, the insane flooding has blurred the lines a bit. Now, several residents have noticed them near or along their property. Naturally, authorities have advised against approaching a crocodile if it is spotted. That is because saltwater crocodiles are known to be aggressive.
Ocean Conservatory shares that the saltwater crocodile is the most dangerous of all the crocodiles. Additional facts to terrify you are that they are not picky eaters and have an immense bite force. The outlet shared that the saltwater crocodile “has the strongest bite of any creature ever measured, with a force of 3,700 psi or pounds per square inch.” Additionally, crocodiles are known to attack humans without cause and are “responsible for up to 1,000 human deaths a year.”
