SYDNEY: A fisherman whose body was pulled from the water Monday was likely killed by a large crocodile, police said, after his empty dinghy and speargun were found in northern Australia. “Initial investigations suggest the man may have been taken by a crocodile,” Queensland police said, adding that they believe it was a four-meter (13-feet) beast. It was the second blow in a month to the local spearfishing community after a man recently had his leg ripped off by a shark at nearby Hinchinbrook Island, the newspaper said. Australia is home to freshwater and saltwater crocodiles with the more feared “salties” growing up to seven meters long. Saltwater crocodile numbers have exploded since they were declared a protected species in 1971, with recent attacks reigniting debate about controlling them.

Source: Manila Times March 20, 2017 02:48 UTC