Animals can be the most loyal companions. It is always amazing when animals step in to protect a beloved owner. How crazy would it be to be protected by a wild animal though? What would you have to do to earn its loyalty and be deserving of its protection? Luckily for alessapotato, an apple and some chicken was all it took. This story has been edited for clarity.
“I used to live in Florida and it’s rampant with crocodiles. Most people think they are a nuisance but I’ve always found them to be cool. Don’t get me wrong I know they are dangerous but they do fascinate me. There was this jogging path I used to take when I was 17. It went by this river/creek sorta thing and I never paid much mind to it. I like to eat healthily so I usually carry some grilled chicken with an apple in my bag for my mid-stop during the run. Well, one day I decided to sit down next to the river bank and eat my lunch. As I was eating I notice a crocodile shifting over towards me. Of course, I was a little scared I’m not gonna lie but I noticed it hadn’t dived so I suspected it wasn’t after me. I got a crazy idea to feed it like steve from tv. I took a few steps back as it got to the edge and out of the water. (Side note I don’t know if it had been feed before or not) I threw my lunch and it caught it and just sat there. I left and came by the next day with more and sure enough, it was still there. I started doing it as part of my routine. well, one day I’m sitting on the bank. (I usually had to wait for some time before the crocodile would appear.) It was around 7 or 8 pm. Well, this guy came up behind me and asked if I had any cash to spare. I said no and expected the usual “Oh alright. have a nice night” but instead he was still standing there. I started to get uneasy when he grabbed my bag. (While I was wearing it) I tried to pull back from him then he threatened me. “Give me the bag or I’ll stab you”. I realized he had one of his hands in his coat pocket. (Still don”t know if he had a knife he never showed) My first reaction was to simply yell and scream thinking it would scare him off. Then out of the blue, the croc comes barreling out of the water hissing. The guy panicked dropped my bag and bolted. I still had so much adrenaline in my system I couldn’t think straight. After a few breaths and wiping the sweat from my forehead I gave the croc every bit of chicken I had in my bag. (I was too freaked out to eat.) to thank him and went home. I changed my route the next day.
