An unpleasant encounter: non-fatal attack by the broad-snouted caiman, Caiman latirostris, on a human in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

Human–crocodilian interactions provide important information to guide conservation and public safety strategies. Although attacks on humans are rare, most are interpreted as defensive responses. We report a non-fatal attack by Caiman latirostris in Jaboticatubas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. During a swimming training, the victim was attacked without prior visual detection of the animal. The event involved one bite to the trunk, followed by lateral head movements and contact with hind limbs and tail. After the victim’s defensive reaction, the animal released her, following her for approximately 50 m at the surface. Injuries included thoracic punctures and lacerations, abrasions on the lower limbs, and an axillary wound. The pattern of the marks suggests an individual approximately 150 cm. The characteristics of the incident are consistent with a defensive behavior hypothesis, possibly related to territorial defense. Records like this are relevant to understanding the contexts of these interactions and guiding management and prevention strategies.