Sweetheart the crocodile was famous for attacking fishing boats. But was another croc to blame?
ABCThere are few stories as synonymous with the Northern Territory as that of Sweetheart, a saltwater crocodile notorious for attacking dinghies in the Finniss River in the 1970s. But with the recent death of Cassius — another record-setting crocodile caught in the Finniss River around the same time — old rumours that a different beast was behind Sweetheart's legacy have re-emerged. Globally-renowned crocodile expert Professor Grahame Webb, who also helped capture Cassius, said it was possible the reptile was behind some of Sweetheart's boat-biting antics. Dr Manolis said Cassius's "mangled" snout could have been caused by biting boat propellers. "Sweetheart's behaviour that he showed against boats was fairly unique, but it probably may happen more regularly than we think," Dr Manolis said.
History of this topic
Scientists hope to determine exact age of old Cassius, the world's biggest crocodile in captivity
ABC
World’s largest captive crocodile Cassius dies in Australia: ‘More than just a crocodile’
The Independent
RIP Cassius: The giant record breaking crocodile has died at roughly 110 years old
The Independent
World's biggest crocodile is dead: 110-year-old Cassius passes away in Australia after weeks of declining health
Daily Mail
Oldest Captive Crocodile Dies in Australia at 110
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