Crocodile surprise attack: Relaxed dip in famous lake turns into horror

A man in his 60s, relaxing on a swim at Western Australia's famed Lake Argyle, did not expect when his peace turned into a nightmare after a crocodile mauled him on Friday.

During the chaos, three nearby rescuers who attempted to save the old man were also bitten.

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Paramedics soon reached the attack scene, according to PerthNow, taking the man to the Kununurra Hospital, whose injuries were not life-threatening.

But in a shocking twist, authorities suspect a freshwater crocodile attacked the men in the lake, which is home to 35,000 freshwater crocodiles. 

However, it is baffling for the observers because the species is commonly believed to be less aggressive.

This view made the chilling incident an anomaly, which perhaps explains why the annual Lake Argyle Swim remains open.

However, in the wake of the terrifying encounter, authorities created a modified course.

Similar attack happened 4 years ago

A woman in her 40s was mauled in the same popular Lake Argyle in 2022 by a freshwater crocodile, forcing the authorities to shoot the reptile.

In a leg-biting attack, the 38-year-old woman shrieked in panic before being rushed to the local hospital to treat her injuries.

Wildlife officers, according to ABC, tracked down the croc, which was 2.5 meters in size, and shot it down after aggressive behaviour was observed when approached, according to the Department of Biodiversity and Conservation.

The decision was made to protect the public, as the lake was a popular swimming spot.