A stunt involving a crocodile has shocked viewers after a man was bitten while attempting to perform a daring act with the deadly reptile. The video, which has gone viral on Instagram, shows the man attempting to interact with the ferocious predator in front of a live audience, only for the stunt to take a horrifying turn when the crocodile bites him.
In the footage, the man can be seen sitting in front of a crocodile, whose mouth is wide open. After patting the animal, he boldly places his hand in front of its jaws. Moments later, the crocodile snaps its mouth shut, catching his hand in its powerful grip. Shocked, the man quickly pulls away and retreats, visibly wounded.
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Crocodiles are known for their ability to lie in wait before striking with deadly precision. Their reputation as one of the most dangerous predators in the wild is well-earned, as seen in this unfortunate incident. This video, shot in a stadium filled with spectators, highlights just how risky interactions with wild animals can be.
The Instagram video has amassed an astonishing 42.8 million views and over 742,000 likes, leaving viewers both amazed and horrified. Users were quick to react in the comments, sharing a range of opinions.
One user remarked, “The man should be thankful the crocodile let go of his hand,” while another applauded his bravery, commenting, “Doing this to provide for his family is commendable, stay strong.” A third user offered some sensible advice, stating, “Wild animals aren’t toys—never play with them.”
Interestingly, another video circulated on X (formerly Twitter) involving a man performing a similar stunt, which also ended disastrously. The man, a crocodile keeper, placed his hand inside the animal’s mouth, only for the crocodile to suddenly clamp down, trapping his hand. Just like in the Instagram video, the keeper was left injured after the reptile’s powerful jaws snapped shut.
These incidents highlight the dangers of stunts with wild animals, emphasizing the need for safety and caution in such performances.
Crocodiles are notorious for their stealthy hunting techniques, only attacking when they are confident of a successful strike. Their strength and unpredictability make them extremely dangerous for humans, especially in situations where they feel threatened.
To explore more about human-animal interactions and the risks of stunts with dangerous animals, you can read “Wild Encounters: Risks and Ethics of Human Interactions with Predators” [link to paper], or refer to studies on human-wildlife conflict that delve into the psychology of why people continue to risk dangerous stunts.
