Stingrays:
The Stingray has made the news in recent times having caused the death of an Icon in the wild animal world. Steve Irwin Lost his life to the one in a Billion chance strike of a stingray tail. (News Story). I was Probably a Brown Stingray (Dasyatis annotatus) or maybe a Black Stingray (Dasyatis thetidis Ogilby), which is larger and capable of inflicting serious wounds. The News Media is reporting how rarely Stingray attacks occur; I say, “they are none existent” with none on record. Seventeen Deaths worldwide have been reported and attributed to the Stingray. In recorded history, but who is to blame? These fish DON”T attack People or any large animals. It is a defensive action only. I am posting Clips here of these gentle fish that we have approached, encountered, and sought out. These are wild animals and some rules do exist that may have played a roll in The “Croc Hunters” death. Never approach these fish from above or head on! It is the action of a predator and the fish will go into a defensive action to protect itself. They can move quick as you will see in the clips and can whip their tails up and to the front with violent force. Many surfers along the California coast get hit all year round to the point Life Guards carry buckets to soak victim’s legs. It is not the fishes fault but the Swimmer or Surfer who steps on one berried in the sand which is part of the fish’s behavior. Millions of people have visited places Like Stingray City in Grand Cayman with close contact with no problems. We should be careful not to vilify these beautiful creatures! If you have Stingray Stories good or bad please post them to our message board. We hope you enjoy the following clips as much as I did doing them.
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| Stingray in the Bahamas |
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