This morning, in Tamarindo an American surfer was attacked by a crocodile. And the photos of the incident are chilling, his calf and ankle were almost completely severed (see below). The victim, Arthur Becker was taken in a private ambulance to Liberia–which apparently took over an hour to respond. Sources say he lost his foot and ankle.

According to the report, the area where the attack occurred, bathers and surfers are frequently exposed without warning of the crocodiles that roam the region and in recent months there have been a considerable amount of crocs witnessed. “There are days where you get to see up to five basking in the area”-states the article on primeroennoticias.com, which is in Spanish and via the nifty translation tool on Google Chrome reads in broken english (the title was translated into: Lizard Ankle to amputate Alien in Playa Tamarindo). The village reportedly has “no signs warning of danger” and the authorities “never say anything to tourists”.

Sorry you had to look at this...but we did warn you. Photo: primeroennoticias.com

Attacks in Tamarindo have been increasing over the years. According to an article in Tico Times, five attacks have occurred in the past year. And, as attacks in rural areas have always been common in Costa Rica, “Attacks near beaches and tourist hotspots are increasing.”

“People near the Pacific Coast are worried because it seems like crocodiles are leaving rivers for beaches,” said Flora Ayub, executive director of the Costa Rican Chamber of Hotel Owners. “At this rate, an accident could happen to anyone.”

Photos of the incident can be viewed here.