A crocodile expert has expressed his belief that the fatal attack on a father of three in Far North Queensland last week was an anomaly, likely triggered by unusual circumstances. Dr. David Hogbin, a resident of Newcastle, was strolling along a well-trodden path by the Annan River near Cooktown when the path unexpectedly collapsed, causing him to fall into the river. Authorities have since confirmed that remains found in a euthanized crocodile are believed to be those of the father.
Dr. Hogbin, aged 40, was on a caravan holiday with his wife and three sons at the time of the incident. Damien Cowan, a crocodile handler, spoke to The Cairns Post, stating that the section of the river where Dr. Hogbin fell, known as Crocodile Bend, was not a typical haunt for these creatures. Cowan suggested that the presence of a 16-foot saltwater crocodile in that area was likely due to human-induced behavior.
Crocodiles are known to feed by ambushing smaller creatures at the water’s edge. “Crocodiles may not have a large brain, but they excel at one thing – identifying their food source,” Cowan explained. “A crocodile will learn where it can find its prey – where the wallabies, for instance, frequently drink.”
However, the riverbank at Crocodile Bend is elevated by several meters, making it less likely for animals to drink there and thus less appealing as a hunting ground for crocodiles. Cowan pointed out that the crocodile’s presence in this area was unusual and likely not its preferred feeding spot.
Cowan further explained to The Cairns Post that human activities, such as discarding fish scraps into the river, were altering the crocodiles’ feeding habits and drawing them to areas they would not typically frequent. He cited this as a possible reason for the crocodile’s presence at Crocodile Bend.
Footage has surfaced of individuals feeding crocodiles, presumably at the Annan River, sparking calls for increased penalties for such actions. Currently, the fine for feeding crocodiles stands at $6452, but some are advocating for it to be increased to over $11,000, the same penalty imposed for feeding dingoes on Queensland’s K’gari/Fraser Island.
Cowan described Dr. Hogbin’s death as a “heartbreaking tragedy,” noting that a 20-year-old reptile was killed for exhibiting behavior it may have learned from humans. “A croc that thought it was getting fish scraps ended up being shot in the head. Yes, the croc attacked him, but it didn’t hunt him,” Cowan said.
Dr. Hogbin’s wife, Jane, attempted to rescue her husband from the river but nearly fell in herself. “Dave’s final, decisive act was to let go of Jane’s arm when he realized she was slipping in, an act that likely saved her life,” a fundraiser read. “In a world-shattering instant, Dave was taken by the crocodile. One small consolation is that none of Dave’s children witnessed this event. Needless to say, Dave’s family and friends are completely devastated.”