You don't tug on Superman's cape, you don't spit into the wind, and you don't go fishing around Crocodile Bend.

Australian authorities overstepped their bounds on Monday when they executed a 16-foot crocodile they suspected of killing a South Wales tourist in Queensland.

The tourist had been fishing on Saturday when the bank gave way under his feet, sending him tumbling 20 feet into the croc-infested waters of the Annan River. Days later, authorities spotted a crocodile with a scar on its nose miles away, capturing and "humanely euthanizing" the animal. This was the third fatal crocodile attack this year, making it the 2nd deadliest year on record.

The most recent crocodile execution highlights the severe flaws of due process in the reptilian judiciary system of Australia. The mitigating factors include possibilities of both self-defense as well as mistaken identity.

The incident took place at what locals call "Crocodile Bend," a spot that is not known for fishing, with one Cooktown resident, Brett Harrison, calling it "a hairy spot to be fishing," adding that it is common to see crocs swimming around there and he would not go near the edge. With that information, we have to acknowledge that it is entirely possible this croc was minding its own business when a man plummeted 20 feet directly into its home and landed on its head. An ornery creature by nature, the crocodile would be well within its rights to seek retaliation.

The more appalling detail of this incident was the profiling that took place when catching the alleged gator. There were no witnesses to this incident, just witnesses in the area who had seen a croc with a scar at some point. This reptile was living a cosmetically cursed life to begin with, scarred and scaly, only to have matters made worse by being rounded up and executed for a crime it may not have committed.

I understand the swift justice that Australian officials have decided to dole out due to the increased nature of these events. However, I beg them to reduce their (cold) blood lust and reptile retaliation in these matters to allow for the appropriate measures to be taken.