Staying aware and keeping wildlife officials informed of out-of-place creatures is key to a safe environment for people and animals alike.
A 13-foot, 1,100-pound saltwater crocodile was spotted swimming around the bay of Pulau Lubukan, Malaysia, prompting proactive measures to avoid conflict.
What's happening?
According to the Daily Express, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force received a report of the reptile from worried villagers. They collaborated with and gave the carefully captured croc over to the local wildlife department to assess next steps.
Because of the quick actions of all involved parties, neither the animal nor any people were injured in the process.
However, the concern remains why such a creature came so close to human civilization when crocodiles typically avoid it.
Why is this important?
As habitats shrink because of ecosystem changes attributed to rising global temperatures, human-wildlife conflict increases.
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While the situation in Malaysia was resolved without incident, other animals and people have not been so lucky.
Oftentimes, when fauna finds itself thrust out of its natural routine, especially prompted by human actions such as spreading infrastructure, environmental destruction, and pollution, it is confused and frightened.
Many animals that end up at odds with humans are not attacking out of hate, but rather, out of fear.
When negative human-wildlife interactions occur, both sides suffer unfair consequences.
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Definitely 👍 It is crucial to understand that wildlife is meant to be wild and should be left alone by the average person. Approaching wild animals is never a safe bet and can provoke retaliatory actions toward those involved.
If wildlife is involved in an altercation, it is an unfortunate but common truth that it can be put down as a result, despite the issue being avoidable.
What's being done about this?
To mitigate human-wildlife conflict, people must be aware of why they shouldn't approach wild animals.
Keeping both parties safe is imperative, as is avoiding problematic interactions.
Whether it be something as seemingly innocuous as a chipmunk or as potentially intimidating as a crocodile, if someone ever sees a wild animal in a place it shouldn't be, the best thing to do is call the proper authorities.
It also helps to be educated on critical climate issues that are causing habitat loss, which in turn leads to further contact between people and wildlife.
By understanding the avenues humans pursue that push wild animals from their homes, the hope is that individuals can take small actions in their own environments to keep ecosystems habitable.
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