A foolish, cruel man tried to kill a crocodile with an axe before the beast lashed back and nearly devoured him.
The thug, who was accompanied by at least three friends, now faces possible criminal charges for attacking the reptile in its natural habitat.
A video showed the man tentatively approaching the croc as it rested on the riverbank.
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While his friends looked on with bated breath, the suspect edged closer to the animal with his axe raised.
He then readied himself before bringing the axe down towards the croc’s head.
But the clever animal was waiting for his move and suddenly lunged forward.
It knocked the suspect to the ground before disappearing into the river.
The spooked man scrambled up the riverbank as at least one pal laughed in the background.
The lucky escape was filmed at the Puyango River located north of the city of Alamor in southern Ecuador, as reported by Need To Know.
The clip went viral on X with over 70,000 views and hundreds of comments.
One local said: “Why the need to attack an animal that isn’t bothering anyone?”
Another added: “That idiot should go to jail, the river is the crocodile’s home and natural environment.”
Joselyn remarked: “What a son of a b*tch, I hope nature takes care of him.”
Following the online backlash, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition said they have opened an investigation into the matter.
If found guilty, the culprit could face a hefty fine or between one and three years in prison.
Locals are also calling on the authorities to erect signs in natural spots to warn visitors about the presence of crocodiles.
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