Mile 8 resident fears croc attack

In our twelve plus years on the air there has been no shortage of crocodile stories, as when man continuously builds houses in the swamp he is bound to meet that environment’s fiercest resident. Today one two-legged inhabitant of the mile eight area on the Western Highway told News 5 that she’s had enough of co-existence with giant carnivorous reptiles.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting

There was nothing this neighbourhood dog could do to save itself from the jaws of the mile eight crocodile. It is believed the reptile caught the animal as it walked by the drain situated in the centre of the community. Residents of the area have become very concerned, especially about their children’s safety.

Linda Esquiliano, Concerned Resident, Mile 8

“I am scared of it true because if it can catch bird you know and dog… scared of it for true that’s why I noh mek them come out. They are always inside.”

Although we did not manage to capture the predator on camera, what we did get to see was the tail of one of the reptiles just before it dove to the bottom of the murky water. The residents believe the crocodiles are trapped in the stagnant water after the drains became clogged due to debris and high bush. Linda Esquiliano’s family are most at risk as they live just in front of where the crocodiles have taken up residence.

Linda Esquiliano

“I would say only me because it stays right there when it come out. It noh goh so because you can see it is clogged right up yah so. Weh part dig dah only from deh so to the other end because we dig over yah so, but the rest noh dig, so it noh go deh, it stay right inna my yard.”

Esquiliano, who has four small children, says her son and daughters cannot enjoy the family’s backyard because the crocodile has come as close as four feet away from her house. She says she has asked all the authorities she can think of, but to no avail.

Linda Esquiliano

“I call the police first, then I call the Audubon Society, and then I call the zoo.”

Jacqueline Woods

“And what did they tell you?”

Linda Esquiliano

“They seh they wah come, but nobody nevahdid come.”

Some residents told News 5 that if nothing is done they plan to take matters into their own hands because the crocs have now become a threat to humans. Jacqueline Woods for News 5.