A fisherman in eastern Zambia was killed in a shocking chain of events after trying to flee from a herd of rampaging elephants — only to be attacked moments later by a crocodile.
Authorities say 52-year-old Dean Nyirenda was heading home from a fishing trip with two friends on February 4 when the group suddenly stumbled upon a herd of elephants blocking their path. The men ran for their lives, and Nyirenda jumped into a nearby stream off the Luangwa River, hoping the water would give him cover.
Instead, a crocodile lunged.
According to police chief Robertson Mweemba, the reptile clamped its jaws around Nyirenda’s right thigh. Incredibly, Nyirenda fought back, striking the crocodile with a stick until he managed to break free and crawl out of the water. His friends rushed to help but found him severely injured and losing blood fast.
They tried to stop the bleeding, but he died at the scene.
Wildlife officers later confirmed deep crocodile bite wounds were responsible for the fatal blood loss. The area around the Luangwa River is known for one of Africa’s densest populations of Nile crocodiles — massive predators that can grow more than 17 feet long.
Human-wildlife conflicts have become increasingly common in Zambia, where elephant populations continue to grow. In 2023, officials recorded 26 wildlife-related deaths, 15 of them caused by crocodiles, most along the Luangwa River.
Just last year, two tourists — one from the UK and one from New Zealand — were killed by a protective mother elephant during a walking safari in the same region.
Officials are urging locals and visitors to stay alert in wildlife-heavy areas and say they’re exploring new safety measures, including protective fencing, to reduce deadly encounters.
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