A 52-year-old fisherman in eastern Zambia died on Wednesday after being attacked by a crocodile while attempting to escape a herd of elephants, according to police reports. The incident, which occurred near the Luangwa River, highlights the increasing dangers faced by communities living in close proximity to wildlife in the region.
Dean Nyirenda, a resident of Mambwe District, was returning from a fishing trip with two companions when they unexpectedly encountered the elephants. All three men fled, with Nyirenda choosing to dive into a stream in an attempt to evade the animals. It was in the water that he was attacked by a Nile crocodile, a species known to inhabit the Luangwa River in significant numbers.
“That is when he was attacked by a crocodile by biting his right thigh,” explained local police chief Robertson Mweemba to journalists. The attack caused severe bleeding and despite attempts by his companions to stem the flow, Nyirenda succumbed to his injuries.
According to reports, Nyirenda initially managed to fend off the crocodile by striking it with a stick he was carrying. He then dragged himself out of the stream, but the damage was already extensive. His fellow fishermen, witnessing the attack from a distance, rushed to his aid and carried him from the riverbank. Despite their efforts, he died from blood loss.
Wildlife officers who later examined the scene confirmed the presence of deep bite marks on Nyirenda’s right thigh, consistent with a crocodile attack. The body was subsequently taken to the Mambwe District Hospital mortuary, awaiting burial.
The Luangwa River and its surrounding areas are recognized as a hotspot for human-wildlife conflict. Conservationists estimate that the river holds one of the highest concentrations of Nile crocodiles in Africa. The region’s thriving elephant population also contributes to frequent encounters between humans and animals.
Data from Resource Africa, a community-led conservation NGO, indicates that crocodile attacks accounted for 15 of the 26 wildlife-related deaths recorded in Zambia during 2023, with the majority of these incidents occurring along the Luangwa River. This underscores the significant risk posed by crocodiles to local communities.
The incident comes against a backdrop of increasing concerns about human-wildlife conflict in Zambia. Clashes between people and animals have resulted in numerous fatalities in recent years, prompting calls for increased safety measures and improved conservation strategies.
Zambian authorities have repeatedly urged both residents and tourists to exercise extreme caution when travelling through areas known to be inhabited by dangerous wildlife. The Luangwa River, in particular, requires heightened vigilance due to the presence of both elephants and crocodiles.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities living alongside wildlife in Africa. While conservation efforts aim to protect endangered species, they must also address the safety and well-being of local populations. Finding a sustainable balance between wildlife preservation and human safety remains a critical priority for Zambian authorities and conservation organizations.
The incident occurred on , according to police reports released on .
