A foolish student escaped with his life after venturing into a crocodile-infested lagoon to pick a fight with one.
When asked why he wanted to confront a croc in its habitat, the young man said he wanted to feel “strong emotions”.
He told medics: “It’s better to die a brave man than die a coward.”
The clip shows the man swimming across the lagoon, apparently in search of a crocodile to fight.
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As he nears the far end, he appears to be dragged under the water after encountering a crocodile on Tuesday (23 Jan)
The unnamed man, 20s, was filmed entering the Laguna del Carpintero, known as Carpenter’s Lagoon in English, in the city of Tampico, northeast of Mexico City, Mexico.
The lagoon is home to around 100 crocodiles.
After entering the water, a crocodile reportedly bit the man on his arm.
While receiving treatment for his injury, he said he was a student at a private college in the area.
The authorities confirmed that the man did not suffer any life-threatening injuries and was deemed to be mentally stable.
Carpenter’s Lagoon is a picturesque lake spot in the city, boasting a hiking trail, boat rides, a zipline, and wildlife such as lizards and crocodiles.
Fences are erected at the park to prevent crocodiles from approaching people on the footpaths, however, some animals, including pets from nearby homes, fall foul of attacks.
There have been numerous reported attacks on visitors at the lagoon, usually after people enter the water to go swimming.
After visiting the site in 2002, late Australian pro expert Steve Irwin said: “This lake and this city will be a showcase for the world that will demonstrate clearly that people can live in harmony with sharp-toothed wild animals.”
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