Instant karma as man yanks 10ft croc's tail before the beast snaps back and sinks its jaws into his arm

Man Provokes Crocodile in Namibia, Suffers Bite in Shocking Encounter

In a disturbing incident highlighting the dangers of wildlife provocation, a man in Namibia learned a painful lesson after taunting a crocodile. The individual, who attempted to pull the reptile’s tail and then placed his hands on its back, was swiftly attacked when the angered animal retaliated, inflicting a bite.

Reckless Behavior Leads to Crocodile Attack at Etaka Waterhole

Simson Paulus, a 41-year-old border security guard, disregarded repeated cautions to leave a 10-foot Nile crocodile undisturbed at the Etaka waterhole in Epalela. Witnesses at the scene in Namibia reported Paulus appeared to be amused by his own daring actions.

However, his bravado quickly turned to regret as the agitated crocodile spun its head and clamped its powerful jaws onto his left arm.

The reptile released Paulus, leaving him with severe lacerations and profuse bleeding from multiple tooth punctures on his forearm.

Graphic Footage Captures Startling Crocodile Attack

Disturbing video footage circulating on social media depicts the moment the security guard fearlessly approaches and pets the crocodile.

Initially, the crocodile appears unperturbed by the interaction, but in a sudden and violent movement, it whips around and seizes the man’s arm.

While the biting itself is not explicitly shown in the video, the crocodile’s thrashing in the water, coupled with the screams of horrified onlookers fleeing for safety, paints a clear picture of the attack.

Victim Receives Medical Treatment for Crocodile Bite Injuries

Following the attack, Paulus sought urgent medical attention at Outapi Hospital, where doctors administered numerous sutures to close his wounds. He is currently in a stable condition and recovering from the ordeal.

Eyewitness Account Details Swift Crocodile Aggression

Regional councillor Festus Petrus recounted the incident, stating, ‘He was among a group of onlookers who were pulling the crocodile‘s tail and had been warned to keep away.’

‘He then placed both hands on the crocodile‘s back, and with tremendous force, it swung its head around and launched the attack.’

‘People were so shocked they stumbled into the water and were screaming, it happened in the blink of an eye, and the crocodile had his arm in its jaws.’

‘He was incredibly fortunate that the crocodile didn’t drag him into deeper water and devour him. Instead, it released him, and the man fled as fast as he could.’

‘The crocodile did not pursue him. It was later discovered that the reptile had been struck by a taxi while crossing the road and was significantly injured.’

‘If not for its injured state, the outcome for the man could have been fatal,’ he added.

Injured Crocodile Euthanized Following Assessment

Officials from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, accompanied by a veterinarian, arrived shortly after the incident to assess the crocodile‘s condition.

Following evaluation, authorities determined that euthanasia was the most humane course of action, as the injuries sustained from being hit by a taxi near the Etaka Dam were believed to be severe and internal.

Councillor Petrus explained, ‘It would have suffered a slow death otherwise.’

Ministry Warns Public Against Provoking Wildlife

Ndeshipanda Hamunyela, spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding wildlife interactions.

She stated, ‘Provoking crocodiles is against the principles of human-wildlife management, and the public should never touch wildlife, particularly predators.’

‘If left unprovoked, the crocodile, even with its injuries from the vehicle collision, would likely not have posed an immediate threat to people.’

‘The public should always contact the appropriate authorities for assistance in managing wild animals instead of approaching and touching them.’

Nile Crocodiles: Apex Predators of Africa

The Nile crocodile is recognized as the largest predator in Africa, growing up to 20 feet in length and weighing up to 90kg.

These ambush predators can patiently wait for weeks to prey, and their bite force is so immense that once their jaws clamp shut, it’s virtually impossible to open them without specialized tools.

Tragically, Nile crocodiles are responsible for an estimated 1,000 fatalities in Africa annually.

Similar Crocodile Attack in South Africa

This attack follows closely on the heels of another crocodile incident just over a week prior, where a seven-year-old boy in South Africa was critically injured after a crocodile severed his arm. The incident occurred at Roodekoppies Dam near Brits, South Africa, while the boy was playing in shallow water during a fishing outing.

Child Loses Arm in South African Crocodile Attack

Young Johandre Blom was reportedly playing with a friend, Dylan, in the shallows, mere feet from where their parents were fishing when the large reptile struck.

Corne, Johandre’s father, was approximately 25 meters away at their caravan with Dylan’s father, Jannie Bekker.

Bekker recounted to local media the horrific moment, ‘I suddenly heard my little boy Dylan scream.’

‘I saw him grab Johandre by the arm, but there was a powerful tug, and then Johandre was pulled away from Dylan.’

‘Dylan shouted, “there’s a crocodile here,” and Corne and I immediately sprinted to the water.’

Johandre was violently thrashed around in the crocodile’s jaws before his father and Bekker reached the water and bravely intervened, managing to free him. Tragically, the young boy’s left arm had been completely torn off.

They quickly applied towels to the severe wound and rushed him to a local hospital by car. Medics initially stabilized Johandre before he was airlifted to a hospital in Alberton.

He was reportedly placed in a medically induced coma and remains in a stable condition as he recovers from the life-altering attack.