“People in our village use the Rapti  river every day. I went there to take a bath once. While crossing the river, a crocodile attacked me on my leg, dragging me underwater. It held onto my leg tightly and swam fast underwater. I thought my leg was broken. I don't know how long I was underwater. Somehow, I kicked the crocodile's leg and escaped. But it caught me again. I thought I might die, so I remembered my family and cried.I never expected to come out alive. But somehow, I don't know where I found the courage; I kicked once more and somehow managed to escape again.The crocodile chased me, but I swam fast to the riverbank. I tried to stand but couldn't because I was hurt. They brought me home, and I went to the hospital to get an operation.

Since then, I've been very scared of wild animals. But people in our village don't have a choice. They still cross the river for wood, vegetables, and fishing. Our ancestors have lived by the river for a long time, so conflicts with animals are common. I have to be extra careful, but I still go fishing and cross the river, even though it's dangerous”. Sneha Bote, Chitwan