Turtle attacks on swimmers surge at beach on Crete

[Archelon]

Marine biologists are attributing a surge successful oversea turtle attacks connected swimmers astatine Marathi Beach successful Hania, Crete, to tourists and fishermen feeding the animals, which alters their earthy behavior.

Dr Katerina Manimanaki astatine Hania Hospital reported treating galore victims implicit the past two years. “Turtles don’t person teeth, but very strong jaws that origin ample bruises by crushing muscles,” she said.

Local nonmigratory K.B. described being bitten connected her buttocks and thigh while exiting the water. “The symptom was so aggravated I astir fainted,” she said, requiring hospitalization for infected wounds.

Wildlife adept Dimitris Fytilis from Archelon conservation radical explained that feeding teaches turtles to subordinate humans with food. “They statesman treating swimmers arsenic competitors for nutrient and try to thrust them distant by biting,” helium said.

Similar incidents person been reported successful different Greek coastal areas. Experts counsel swimmers to wave arms and legs underwater to frighten approaching turtles.