Orlando, Florida isn’t the only place in the world where large reptiles are reportedly attempting to consume human beings.
This kind of thing isn’t limited to the United States; it happens all over the world.
A woman, Cindy Waldron, 46, from Lithgow in New South Wales, is missing and feared dead after being attacked by a crocodile at Thornton Beach after dark. Authorities have been unable to find any remains.
Image Credit: Stephen Miechel/EPA
She was reportedly out swimming in water up to her waist with a friend when she was attacked by a crocodile. The friend tried to rescue her, but it was apparently a bust.
"We would hold grave fears for the welfare of the woman," police spokesman Russell Parker said. "Her 47-year-old friend tried to grab her and drag her to safety and she just wasn't able to do that. The friend then ran to a nearby business and raised the alarm, and from that point police and other authorities were advised.”
This is reportedly the first fatal attack of its kind in the area since 2009, but there are at least two reported attacks in Northern Australia annually.
The debacle could have been avoided too. There were reportedly signs all around the beach indicating that this was a known crocodile habitat and that residents should avoid the area after 10 P.M. at night.
"You can't legislate against human stupidity," Warren Entsch of the Australian Parliament said. “This is a tragedy but it was avoidable. You can only get there by ferry, and there are signs there saying watch out for the bloody crocodiles. If you go in swimming at 10 o'clock at night, you're going to get consumed."
It’s worth noting that the recent Orlando, Florida attack also occurred in a place where “No Swimming” signs were posted for the safety of visitors.
It seems those signs just don’t do anything. Many people don't even bother themselves to read them, or to take into consideration the dangers that may be lurking.
Source: Aljazeera, BBC, CNN