Free Republic

A 55-year-old Michigan woman was killed this morning in a freak accident just offshore of Marathon. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Bobby Dube said a Spotted Eagle Ray breached the water and struck the woman in the head. "It knocked her unconscious and evidently she fell and struck something on the boat. Her mother, father and sister were onboard and performed CPR till they got back to the boat," Dube said. "By the time EMS arrived she was pronounced dead." The Pigeon, Mich., native was aboard a 25-foot rental boat with her sister, mother and father, reportedly traveling...

Hundreds of surfers have paid a special tribute to Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin at a memorial service on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. The 44-year-old, died last Monday after he was pierced in the heart by a stingray's barb while filming a documentary off the far north Queensland coast. The self-proclaimed wildlife warrior was an enthusiastic surfer and a tribute was held on Sunday at Alexandra Headlands beach. About 250 surfers formed a huge circle off the beach to remember Irwin. Floral tributes were placed in the water. Staff from the Irwin family's Australia Zoo took part in the commemoration held during...

Osama the crocodile, the terror of Lake Victoria and reputedly the world's most prolific man-eater, is staring blankly at the concrete wall of his new home, his expression suggestive of deep depression. Only two weeks ago he was feasting on the remains of a 12-year-old boy, the 83rd victim from Luganga village he had dragged to his lair on the papyrus banks of Africa's largest lake. Osama the killer crocodile is loaded onto a truck Last Monday, however, a beast once thought to be charmed, if not immortal, was finally captured by 50 local men and wildlife officials after a...