although the freshwater crocodile does not attack humans as potential prey, it can deliver a nasty bite. brief and rapidly abandoned attacks have occurred, and were likely the result of mistaken identity (mistaking a part of the human as a typical prey item). other attacks have occurred in self-defense when the crocodile was touched or approached too closely. there have been no known human fatalities caused by this species. there have been few incidents where people have been bitten whilst swimming with freshwater crocodiles, and others incurred during scientific study. an attack by a freshwater crocodile on a human was recorded at barramundi gorge (also known as maguk) in kakadu national park and resulted in minor injuries; the victim managed to swim and walk away from the attack. he had apparently passed directly over the crocodile in the water. however, in general, it is still considered safe to swim with this species, so long as they are not aggravated.