A tourist who tried to have her picture taken with a
crocodile in Thailand was injured when the reptile snapped at her when she got
too close.
On Sunday, Benetulier Lesuffleur, a 47-year-old French
tourist, was visiting Thailand’s famous Khao Yai National Park in the
western part of the Sankamphaeng Mountain Range.
According to Thanya Netithammakul, head of the National
Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Lesuffleur approached the
pond where the crocodile was located and attempted to take the photo but she
tripped. The large reptile then snapped at her when she got too close and bit
her leg.
Photos of the scene showed camouflaged park rangers
carrying the victim on a stretcher with her knee bandaged. Another photo showed
a ranger pointing to a pool of blood while standing next to a sign warning
visitors in both Thai and English of a “Danger Crocodile No Swimming.”
“She wanted to take selfie with the crocodile who was
lying down near a stream,” park official Kanchit Srinoppawan told Thai
newspaper Matichon, according to The Independent. “I
guess that she wanted to see it for real.”
Lesuffleur was bitten by a Siamese crocodile, according
to Conde Nast Traveler.
The animal lives in Southeast Asia and usually resides in fresh water. Despite
being an endangered species, they’re not known for being dangerous toward
humans although there’s no documentation of their interactions with humans
seeking selfies.
According to the Bangkok Post, multiple signs warned
visitors about the crocodiles and tourists were told to keep to the nature
trail.
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