Not Such Sweet Dreams

05/29/2009

Welcome to Nightmare Central

Here's a look back at this week's show so you can get caught up for Wednesday's show. Don't forget to watch Your Worst Animal Nightmares, June 3 at 9 p.m.!

If you thought "Your Worst Animal Nightmares" happen when the dog steals your blanket, or the cat pounces across your pillow at 3 a.m., dream on!  This show, actually a revisit to a pair of past stories---what television likes to label "classic"--was well worth a look for its reminders about common sense and safety around scary swimming predators.

The first report focused on a family and some friends going camping at a remote Australia beach, reached by roads lacking blacktop or any sign of civilization. The campers included a 3-month-old infant! Considering how unhappy such a child could become on a trip to the local store, can you imagine how joyful it would be in such rustic "vacation" conditions!

But the vacationers, all seasoned campers used to outdoor living, did everything right: They set their tents a good 150 feet from the beach, and knew enough not to leave food remnants around to tempt wildlife.

And yet, Things Happen. A change in the wind direction and tide sent tantalizing scents toward a large and hungry salt water crocodile. He headed straight to their sleeping quarters. The beast brazenly chomped on one man's leg and lugged him down the beach while the rest of the campers tried to fight the monster. His size and speed would send anyone screaming in the other direction, but the grandma of the group jumped on his back to pull him away. Instead he head-butted her, and it took desperate shots from a pistol for an end to the attack.

After that intensity, it was almost comic relief during a break to see Mr. Six, that dancing, dapper gent in big glasses and bow tie, inviting crowds to an amusement park. Hmmm, might have been a better choice than an isolated campground for summer fun.

The second episode had far grimmer results than the foiled croc attack, as three teen water-skiers watched as their buddy was victimized by a Great White Shark. This, too, happened in Australia--WHAT is in the water there? Oh yeah, right, sharks and crocs, eager for human interaction!  The victim, Nick Peterson, was actually a highly experienced surfer, swimmer, skier---proving that even those with skill and knowledge of the water can suddenly be lost. 

 And the Mole has to ask: did these people never hear of the movie "Jaws"? Okay, it was just a MOVIE, a fictional story, and it came out a long time ago. But still...

Two myths about sharks were debunked here: power boats, with their noisy engines and big-churning water wakes, do NOT scare sharks away. In fact, the splashing attracts their attention, prompting them to move in for closer inspection.

And dolphins do NOT keep sharks away. On the contrary, because dolphins and sharks share the same territory, their presence can actually draw sharks. The teenagers in this instance were marveling at a school of dolphins even as a monstrous Great White lurked nearby.

After Nick Peterson's fatal encounter, helicopter patrols along the waterways became a familiar sight, spotting sharks before they can do harm. A somber but helpful legacy.

With summer vacation season just about here, keep in mind that you're supposed to relax, not co-star in news footage with a big fish or reptile.