A 67-year-old man is recovering in hospital after being attacked by a suspected freshwater crocodile while swimming in Lake Argyle in Western Australia's north.
Incident Details
The man was swimming near a houseboat in the Hicks Passage area of Lake Argyle when the crocodile bit him. Three other people who attempted to assist him were also bitten. The victim was initially taken to Kununurra Hospital under emergency conditions before being transferred to Royal Perth Hospital on Sunday. He remains in a stable condition while receiving treatment for multiple injuries. The other individuals involved were treated at the scene.
Authorities Respond
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) is monitoring the situation and plans to conduct patrols in the area early next week. A DBCA spokesperson stated, 'Anyone who encounters a freshwater crocodile that is interacting with people swimming, fishing, camping or boating is encouraged to report it to their local Parks and Wildlife Service office, along with a photo of the crocodile and GPS location if safe to do so.' The spokesperson added that Lake Argyle is home to a large population of freshwater crocodiles, which, while not usually considered dangerous, can inflict serious injuries.
Crocodile Behavior
Freshwater crocodiles are generally less aggressive towards humans, making this attack unusual. The DBCA noted that Lake Argyle is not managed by the department, but staff may remove a freshwater crocodile if it is identified as actively threatening humans.
Event Continues
Despite the incident, the annual Lake Argyle Swim open went ahead on Saturday as scheduled. Four hundred swimmers participated in a modified course. The event organizers adjusted the route to ensure safety following the attack.
