Zambian Fisherman Killed by Crocodile While Fleeing Elephants
Fisherman fatally bitten by crocodile while fleeing elephants near Luangwa River as Zambia grapples with rising human-wildlife conflicts
- Dean Nyirenda, 52, was killed by a crocodile after jumping into a stream to escape a herd of elephants near the Luangwa River
- Despite efforts by his companions to stop the bleeding, Nyirenda died from severe bite wounds to his right thigh
- Human-wildlife encounters are rising in Zambia
A fisherman tragically died after a crocodile attack while trying to escape a herd of elephants in eastern Zambia, authorities reported on Thursday.
The victim, 52-year-old Dean Nyirenda, was returning from a fishing trip with two companions on Wednesday when they encountered elephants near the Luangwa River. In an attempt to flee, Nyirenda jumped into a nearby stream.
“He was attacked by a crocodile which bit his right thigh,” local police chief Robertson Mweemba told journalists.
According to police, Nyirenda tried to fend off the crocodile by hitting it with a stick before managing to pull himself out of the water. His two companions rushed to his aid and carried him from the riverbank as he bled heavily.
“They tried to stop the bleeding, but unfortunately he died,” Mweemba said.
Wildlife officers who later examined the scene confirmed deep bite wounds on Nyirenda’s thigh, which led to fatal blood loss.
The Luangwa River, which flows through South Luangwa National Park, hosts one of Africa’s largest populations of Nile crocodiles, according to conservation groups.
Zambia’s growing elephant population has led to increased human-wildlife encounters in recent years. Resource Africa reported 26 wildlife-related deaths in 2023, 15 of them caused by crocodile attacks most occurring along the Luangwa River.
Authorities have repeatedly warned residents and tourists to exercise caution in wildlife-rich areas, while wildlife officials are considering measures such as protective fencing to reduce human-animal conflicts.
