As far as holiday home videos go, Traralgon’s Robert Ahearne reckons his Kakadu crocodile footage crushes the competition.
Taken a few years back at the Yellow Water Billabong, these video screen shots depict an unlucky 3.5 metre crocodile being devoured in a display of territorial prowess by a much larger specimen.
“Just watching them was a full on experience, it was a reminder of how ruthless they can be – I have to admit I felt a bit sorry for the little one,” Mr Ahearne said.
Bringing in the archive footage to The Express this week, Mr Ahearn recalled his travel guide being “completely astounded” by the display of crocodile cannibalism.
Only 20 minutes before the footage was taken, the tourist group’s boat had motored by the known site for a glimpse of the resident croc, at least 4.5 metres in length, however were surprised to find the small croc in his turf.
On the return trip, the group was treated with a far more impressive spectacle – the two crocs fighting.
“The (bigger) croc pretty much froze when we pulled in – he had a bit of bark taken off him too, so it’s clear the had been a little bit of a tussle there,” he said.
With only a half metre high wall between the crocs and the 20 tourists on board the boat, Mr Ahearne reckoned there were a few nervous moments among the wowed spectators.
“If that fella had have decided to get up and attack us, he wouldn’t have had too much trouble – we were right there on the bank – we wouldn’t have been able to get away quick enough,” he said.
“It easily one of the most memorable holiday experiences I’ve ever had – it still makes me feel a little sick though, just the brutality of it was a bit revolting I thought.”
