Crocodile Hunter Not Always Making New Shoes
When most people hear the name Steve Irwin, they immediately remember him as the Australian crocodile hunter who hosted animal conservation programs on wildlife. Since his demise in 2006, the naturalist left a legacy of wildlife preservation, along with his infamous "crikey" declaration of excitement. However, he may be the most famous crocodile hunter due to his television programs on nature, but he is not the only person who makes a living seeking out the lizard-like creatures.
In many parts of the world, including several states people often call in their local crocodile hunter when one of the beasts makes its way into civilization. In some areas, such as Florida's Everglades, it is common to see crocodiles and alligators crawling across roads and making their way into back yards, apparently without fear of the human element in their way. For the most part, people will avoid contact with them at all costs, but when makes its way into someone's home, they are quick to call a crocodile hunter to have it removed to its natural habitat.
Many conservationists blame progress itself for the presence of the animals in populated areas. They point to the fact that civilization has claimed much of the land on which they have roamed for centuries and reduced the amount of food available. For the crocodile hunter, capturing a live crocodile can be an exciting, yet rewarding experience as they move the critters back into the wild.
Commentaries Often Blame Animals For Intrusions
While most people finding a crocodile in their backyard blame the creatures for infringing on their property, the experienced crocodile hunter will point out it is the other way around. Humans have begun to take over land traditionally hunted by the crocs and they are merely looking for food.
The presence of crocodiles is often known when small animals begin to disappear, including pets such as dogs and cats left outside, where they become the featured menu item for the crocodiles. When the small pets begin to disappear, the crocodile hunter is usually called in to track and find the offending creature and send it back to more isolated areas.
Unlike the crocodile hunters often depicted in many television shows and movies, there is a great deal of respect for these ancient creatures and even the most experienced crocodile hunters are aware of their fighting capabilities and work hard to insure they can live to hunt crocodiles another day.
