Overview
This episode of the Tooth and Claw podcast centers on the dramatic survival story of Todd Beerto, an Australian miner who endured a brutal saltwater crocodile attack. The hosts—Wes, Mike, and Jeff—discuss the details of Todd’s ordeal, reflect on animal behavior and survival instincts, and engage with listener questions. The episode also features updates from the hosts’ personal and professional lives, pop culture references, and recommendations for further listening.
Podcast and Guest Catch-Up
- Wes joins the episode remotely from a hotel in Brazil, where he is conducting fieldwork and observing native wildlife, including maned wolves.
- The team recaps their recent trip to the Pantanal, highlighting close encounters with tapirs and jaguars, and shares plans for upcoming wildlife research.
- Wes describes his efforts to find maned wolves, including visiting a remote church in Minas Gerais where monks have fed the wolves since 1982, leading to ongoing scientific studies and the involvement of biologists.
- The hosts discuss the unique experience of seeing wildlife in Brazil, the challenges of recording remotely, and Wes’s continued stay in Brazil due to travel logistics.
Story Introduction: The Crocodile Attack
- The main story focuses on Todd Beerto, the eldest of four boys, who was attacked by an 11-foot saltwater crocodile in northern Queensland, Australia, in March 2011.
- Todd was fishing for barramundi near a river by a pub after a work safety meeting, accompanied by his three-month-old puppy, Dig Dig.
- The hosts describe Queensland as hot, lush, and full of friendly people, with abundant wildlife and dense vegetation.
Details of the Attack and Survival
- Todd, a physically fit 28-year-old miner, stopped by the river to fish, bringing his dog and a beer.
- As he searched for a clearing along the riverbank, he was suddenly struck from behind by a large, yellowish saltwater crocodile, which latched onto his left leg and dragged him toward the water.
- Todd managed to grab onto strong mangrove branches, preventing the crocodile from pulling him fully into the river, though his boots and pants became soaked.
- The crocodile and Todd were locked in a stalemate for several minutes. The crocodile then performed a death roll, dislocating Todd’s knee and shattering bones in his leg, causing excruciating pain and a sense of impending doom.
- In a desperate attempt to survive, Todd tried to use Dig Dig as a distraction, hitting the crocodile with the dog in hopes it would release him. Dig Dig escaped by running across the crocodile’s back and into the bush, unharmed.
- The crocodile readjusted its grip, trapping both of Todd’s legs and pinning one of his fingers between its teeth and his leg. Todd tore his finger free, nearly severing it, so he could use both hands to hold onto the branches.
- The struggle lasted about 20 minutes. Eventually, Todd’s strength gave out, and he was pulled underwater. Realizing the water was only about three to four feet deep, he managed to resurface, grab the branches again, and call for help.
- Throughout the ordeal, Todd endured not only the crocodile’s attack but also minor annoyances like mosquito bites, adding to his discomfort and stress.
Rescue and Aftermath
- Todd’s cries for help were heard by Railen Mottton, a patron at the nearby Albatross Pub, who ran to get help and reassured Todd that help was on the way.
- Railen alerted Kevin Beavenon, a local bushman who happened to be searching for his lost dog. Kevin drove across the bridge, ran through the bush, and found Todd still locked in the crocodile’s jaws.
- Kevin startled the crocodile, which released Todd, and then pulled him up the bank. Additional bystanders, including teenagers, helped fend off the crocodile by throwing rocks when it tried to return.
- Todd was taken by ambulance for emergency care. He underwent 14 medical procedures to repair his shattered knees, torn tendons, and amputated finger. Doctors were initially unsure if he would walk again, and his recovery took about a year.
- The crocodile, later named Kevin, was captured and relocated to a zoo, where it now lives with a mate. Both Todd and Kevin later visited the crocodile at the zoo, with Todd noting its distinctive yellow coloring and speculating (humorously) that the crocodile might have recognized him.
Reflections and Analysis
- The hosts discuss the controversy around Todd’s use of Dig Dig as a distraction, debating the role of survival instinct versus loyalty to pets. They acknowledge the intense pain and panic Todd experienced, and note that he has received criticism for his actions.
- The podcast shares several saltwater crocodile facts:
- Saltwater crocodiles are the largest living reptiles, with some individuals reaching over 20 feet and 2,300 pounds.
- They are ambush predators, capable of living in both saltwater and freshwater due to specialized lingual salt glands.
- Saltwater crocodiles have the strongest measured bite force of any animal, and use death rolls to subdue prey.
- They can go up to a year or more without eating, and in rare cases, up to two or three years.
- Crocodile eggs’ sex is determined by incubation temperature.
- The largest recorded crocodile was caught in the Philippines in 2011, measuring 20 feet and weighing 2,370 pounds.
- Fossil records show ancient crocodiles could reach up to 39 feet in length.
- Saltwater crocodiles can live up to 70 years.
- The hosts reflect on the psychological and physical toll of the attack, Todd’s long recovery, and the impact on his relationship with Dig Dig, who was later adopted by a friend after Todd felt unable to face him.
- Kevin Beavenon received bravery awards for his role in the rescue, and both he and Todd later visited the crocodile at the zoo. Kevin expressed pride in his bravery awards and the unique bond formed through the rescue.
Listener Questions & General Discussion
- The hosts answer a variety of listener questions and share personal anecdotes, including:
- Reactions to survival scenarios and what they would do in Todd’s situation, especially regarding the use of a pet as a distraction. The hosts generally agree they would try to protect their own pets, but acknowledge the unpredictability of extreme pain and panic.
- Pop culture references to unconventional weapons, such as Oddjob’s hat in James Bond, Kung Lao’s hat in Mortal Kombat, the microwave in Gremlins, and Anton Chigurh’s bolt gun in No Country for Old Men.
- Times when someone tried to help but ended up in trouble, both in movies (e.g., Saving Private Ryan, Count of Monte Cristo) and real life (e.g., sharing homework and getting caught).
- Surprising encounters with acquaintances in unexpected places, such as running into someone at a tourist site in Brazil or in a gas station bathroom.
- Moments when a situation shifted from calm to dangerous, both in personal stories (e.g., a near car accident, a threatening taxi ride in Brazil) and in film (e.g., the twist in Parasite).
- Reflections on what to do during a crocodile attack: avoidance is key, as fighting back is rarely effective. Eye gouging and targeting sensitive areas may work in rare cases, but the best strategy is to avoid crocodile habitats and remain vigilant near water in crocodile territory.
- Opinions on 2000s nostalgia, including favorite animals from that era (e.g., great white shark, jaguar, penguin), and closed stores they wish would return (e.g., Blockbuster, Sam Goody).
- Attitudes toward body piercings (e.g., eyebrow, septum, lip) and the debate over whether Avril Lavigne was “punk.” The hosts agree she was more mainstream pop with a punk aesthetic, and discuss the futility of genre gatekeeping.
Recommendations
- The hosts recommend related podcasts and episodes for further listening:
- National Park After Dark’s episode on one-star reviews of national parks.
- Too Scary; Didn’t Watch, a horror movie recap podcast where one host summarizes horror films for the others.
- The Rewatchables, especially their episode on Jaws 2, for movie fans.
Action Items
- Wes: Listen to the previously recorded Altitude episodes.
- Listeners: Send feedback on the Altitude episodes to Wes.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- What became of Todd and Kevin’s friendship after the attack?
- Further updates on Dig Dig’s life with his new owner.