WESTERN BUREAU

Howard Vassell's recent experience makes him mad at crocodiles. He cannot understand why they are protected animals.

The fisherman from Black River, St Elizabeth, was attacked and bitten by a crocodile on Monday, shortly after hauling in his fishing net.

Vassell, 36, narrowly escaped paralysis of his right leg. He had to be hospitalised, as the creature's bite, missed a main vein in his upper leg by mere inches.

"Mi was very shocked and mi was dizzy no time after," Vassell told THE STAR.

About 7:20 a.m. Monday, Vassell said he and other fishermen hauled in their nets and were surprised to discover that the crocodile had become entangled with their catch.

"We never want to harm it because we know it is protected by law under the Wildlife Act, so we left it alone wrapped in the net and was planning to call in the authorities," Vassell said.

Frighten and nervous

He said he was walking close to the net when the crocodile freed itself and attacked him, sinking its sharp-edged teeth into his leg.

"Mi was so frighten and nervous. Mi run off but lose mi balance and fell on the ground. It was a small crocodile. God was on mi side because if it was a big one, maybe it would attack me again and kill me," he said, still shaking from his ordeal. The crocodile escaped after the incident.

Lamented Vassell: "This can't be right. How you must protect something that will kill you or wants to kill you?"

The injured man was taken to the Black River Hospital where he received two injections and 22 stitches. He is to return to hospital today.

Vassell and several other residents in and around the Black River area want the authorities to search for and capture the crocodiles in the area, as they have increased in number and have become a threat to human beings and animals. "People no longer bathe in the river and we cannot bathe in the sea," one woman said.

Residents also mentioned a woman who was attacked and killed by a crocodile about 10 years ago.

They have also lost several animals to the crocodiles over the years.