Galactics learn about some of the large predators that still live on earth. Including enormous reptiles like the Nile Crocodiles. Which are not only known to eat humans, if they can catch one, but are among the largest reptilian predators on the planet next to some snakes. -- The New Guy
The Alliance Guide to Galactic Wildlife has this entry on Terran reptiles: Most of them are venomous, poisonous, or otherwise dangerous. Do not approach unsupervised. Not even if their owner has informed you that the creature is "a bit of a softie."
You'd be shocked how many visitors to the aptly-named Terra ignore that good advice.
Needless to say, the popular tourist stops have emergency call buttons to at least attempt to preserve life. No matter the educational material, no matter the signage, no matter how many warnings the locals gave, there was always somebody who thought they could pet something that didn't want to be pet.
While it is true that Terra is full of creatures that like to be pet, it is not globally true that all creatures want to be pet.
They're honestly lucky that many local Humans know the inherent dangers and are ready to physically haul tourists away from the living hazards. Fortunately for the Terran tourism industry, there are sensible tourists who listen to all the cautions and take a lot of helpful advice.
Tourist Wout regarded the large reptiles lounging on the riverbank. They looked entirely disinclined to move even if something small and wobbly bumbled near. One of them was allowing small birds to peck in its open mouth. Even the smallest adult among them was longer than a Human was tall.
They looked docile, but Wout knew from experience that appearances were deceptive.
Ze turned to hir companion-guide and asked, "These are not pets, yes?"
"They are definitely not pets," said Human Gabr. "They're wild animals and will eat you if you get too close." And, because they had seen too many of the other kind of tourist, they added, "Thank you for asking first." And then they began
It was educational. It was alarming. It was educationally alarming. It was alarmingly educational. Most alarming of all, the immense lizards were not the biggest killer on that particular continent.
That prize went to the Hippo.
[Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash]
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