Being Prey ~ Val Plumwood

[Billy L]

Surviving a Crocodile Attack

A near-death experience can reveal the truth about nature in an instant. But putting that insight into words can take years.

by Val Plumwood, from the book The Ultimate Journey
July-August 2000

In the early wet season, Kakadu's paperbark wetlands are especially stunning, as the water lilies weave white, pink, and blue patterns of dreamlike beauty over the shining thunderclouds reflected in their still waters. Yesterday, the water lilies and the wonderful bird life had enticed me into a joyous afternoon's idyll as I ventured onto the East Alligator Lagoon for the first time in a canoe lent by the park service. "You can play about on the backwaters," the ranger had said, "but don't go onto the main river channel. The current's too swift, and if you get into trouble, there are the crocodiles. Lots of them along the river!" I followed his advice and glutted myself on the magical beauty and bird life of the lily lagoons, untroubled by crocodiles. Today, I wanted to repeat that experience despite the drizzle beginning to fall as I neared the canoe launch site. I set off on a day trip in search of an Aboriginal rock art site across the lagoon and up a side channel. The drizzle turned to a warm rain within a few hours, and the magic was lost. The birds were invisible, the water lilies were sparser, and the lagoon seemed even a little menacing. I noticed now how low the 14-foot canoe sat in the water, just a few inches of fiberglass between me and the great saurians, close relatives of the ancient dinosaurs. Not long ago, saltwater crocodiles were considered endangered, as virtually all mature animals in Australia's north were shot by commercial hunters. But after a decade and more of protection, they are now the most plentiful of the large animals of Kakadu National Park. I was actively involved in preserving such places, and for me, the crocodile was a symbol of the power and integrity of this place and the incredible richness of its aquatic habitats.

Read more: http://www.utne.com/2000-07-01/being-prey.aspx#ixzz1wiMkThr9

Mentioned in:

We are Made of Meat: interview with Matthew Calarco 

Author: Leonardo Caffo (University of Torino, Italy)

https://arzone.ning.com/profiles/blogs/we-are-made-of-meat-the-matt...

[Tim Gier]

Thanks for finding and posting this Billy!