I don't know about you, but I took hard this news about Steve Irwin, Croc Hunter. I didn't dare watch his movie, of course, but I took comfort in his defying death, snubbing his nose at the fates. He made snakes seem somehow cuddly.

When I saw his face in the paper, I thought, "That can't be right. Steve Irwin is a superhero. He's invincible."

But there it was: a humbling reminder that Nature doesn't discriminate. Cape or no cape, we are all finally part of the food chain, which, contrary to prevailing beliefs, isn't a string of fast-food restaurants.

With a sigh, I tip my safari hat to the late, great Croc Hunter, who bubbled with passion for his work and, in the end, became a part of it. Good night, old bloke. Even though the crocodiles appear to be smiling, they're really gonna miss you.