12-Year-Old Allegedly Attacked and Snatched by Crocodile While Swimming in Creek

A large-scale quest is ongoing for a 12-year-old boy suspected to have been assaulted by a crocodile in northern Australia.

12-Year-Old Allegedly Attacked, Taken by Crocodile

The boy went missing around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday after a swim in a creek near the distant community of Palumpa in the Northern Territory, about 215 miles from Darwin.

According to the Northern Territory Police, primary reports recommend the kid was assaulted by a crocodile at Mango Creek. Search and rescue teams, including local community members from Palumpa, have been mobilized to locate him.

Senior Sgt. Erica Gibson expressed condolences to the family and highlighted ongoing efforts in searching a significant area of the creek by boat.

The Northern Territory, known for its substantial crocodile population, is home to about 100,000 saltwater crocodiles, which pose important risks to humans due to their size and aggressiveness. The region has a total population of about 252,469 people, with Palumpa itself counting only 364 residents as per federal data.

Authorities currently dealt with a crocodile danger by removing a 3.6m reptile deemed a threat to the community after consultation with local stakeholders and wildlife officials.

In separate circumstances, a nine-year-old boy fought for his life after a crocodile assault while swimming in Australia earlier this year, and Marcus McGowan, 51, closely escaped a crocodile assault while snorkeling off the Great Barrier Reef last year.

Animal Attacks on Children at San Francisco Botanical Garden

A 5-year-old girl visiting the San Francisco Botanical Garden was bitten by a coyote, prompting officials to euthanize three coyotes over the weekend, reports verified.

According to Patrick Foy from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's law enforcement division, the incident occurred on Friday, and the girl received medical treatment at a hospital. Officials collected a DNA sample from her wound to identify the coyote responsible.

Two coyotes were euthanized on Saturday, and another on Sunday, one of which matched the DNA test, Foy stated. Results from a rabies test were pending.

The child had been part of a summer camp outing at the garden when the attack happened. Her mother, Helen Sparrow, recounted to the San Francisco Chronicle that the coyote bit her daughter as she tripped and attempted to run away.

Coyotes are native to California, and while wildlife officials note attacks are uncommon, they can pose a threat, particularly during the warmer months from March to August when they are active in search of food and caring for their young.

This recent incident echoes previous encounters in Golden Gate Park, including one in June 2021 where a coyote approached toddlers, prompting interventions from parents.

San Francisco Recreation and Parks highlighted the resurgence of coyotes in urban areas, advising residents to deter them by making loud noises and appearing large if they encounter one.

In Southern California, sightings have also increased, with precautions urged to prevent coyotes from becoming habituated to human presence, such as not feeding them or leaving pets unattended.

For safety when encountering coyotes, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends maintaining distance, making loud noises, and ensuring children and pets are closely supervised. If a coyote attacks, fighting back and promptly contacting animal control or emergency services is advised.