Crocodiles
Of the twelve species in the crocodile family, the only ones to really worry about are the Estuarine (salt water), Nile and North American
crocs.
Crocodiles may seem docile as they spend much of their day basking in the sun, sheltering among plants or in mud - but don't be fooled. Slide marks along river banks and beaches are a good indicator they may be close and that you should get out of the way.
Freshwater crocodiles (freshies) are grey or olive-brown with ragged dark mottling and can be distinguished from an estuarine by its narrow snout, needle-like teeth and row of four large scales on the neck immediately behind its head. Freshies are found only in Australia. While there have been no reports of unprovoked attack by a freshie, it's still a good idea to stay away from them.
Estuarine, or Saltwater, crocodiles (salties), are grey, olive-brown or almost black, with ragged dark mottling. Unlike the
freshies, the salties have a broad snout and thick teeth. Salties are seen mostly in the tidal reaches of rivers, but also occur in freshwater lagoons and swamps and along some beaches. They can be found in
waterways hundreds of kilometres from the sea. Estuarine crocodiles are found throughout Southeast Asia from India all the way south to Australia.
The Nile crocodile is an aggressive animal and kills or maims many people in Africa, but statistics are hard to find. Hundreds are likely, though the hippo - also a river creature of course - is regarded by some as more dangerous. Hippos, though, are easy to see and don't deliberately hide.
Crocodiles are dangerous. Be croc-wise in croc-country, by observing all warning signs and do not take unnecessary risks in
crocodile areas. Remember, you are responsible for your own safety. Do not swim where crocodiles live, camp at least 50m from the waters edge and never clean fish or discard food scraps near the waters edge.
Alligators
The American alligator, (alligator mississippiensis) is responsible for all known alligator attacks on humans. However,
alligator attacks are extremely rare - around four attacks on people per year on average, even though Florida alone has over
12,000 gator complaints from local people.
Alligators are protected by American law and the feeding of wild gators is illegal with a maximum penalty of five hundred dollars.
There is a patrol service that deals with problem animals so let the locals know if you have found one with a bad attitude taking your poolside towel space.
Otherwise crocodiles and alligators are more or less interchangeable regarding humans, so we'll refer to them all from now on as crocs.
Reasons for Attack:
- Defence - of territory, nests and themselves. They are highly territorial, especially males at certain times of the year and females with nests and young. Be extremely careful during the breeding season from September to April.
- Appetite- they get hungry and they can and do eat people, though it's not a preference.
- Accidental - they make mistakes, just like humans.
- Bad attitude - a few, particularly Estuarine crocs, are just plain bad tempered animals and will grab anything that moves.
Methods of Attack:
Crocs like to hang around in pools, lakes and rivers safe in the knowledge that all animals need to drink.
One meal can last these prehistoric beasts a long time so they don't mind waiting for the right moment. If they are looking to eat a swimmer they will wait for the target to move overhead before striking from below. They may also mistake a swimmer for a rival.
Once the prey is bitten and firmly held the croc rolls its body over and over - the Death Spin/Roll. On land this is fairly slow but in the water it's more like the speed of a tumble dryer. The result is that the prey becomes totally disoriented.
If the part held by the reptile is a limb there is a good chance of dislocation or complete severance. The rolling continues until the prey is dead by drowning or blood loss.
The death roll is effective and works on quite large animals.
Avoid dangerous areas:
- do not swim or paddle in streams, lakes, ponds or in the sea near a river mouth if you're in a croc zone [esp. northern Australia]. You may be hot, and that creek may look cool and empty, but crocs are the kings of camouflage.
- keep at least thirty feet away on land, don't tease them and only swim in areas posted as safe. Some tourists in Australia have been known to steal Croc
warning signs as souvenirs. Not only is this illegal, but it's also stupid and
puts peoples lives at risk.
- Avoid places where native animals and domestic stock drink.
- if you hear hissing or crunching sounds in the undergrowth at night, leave immediately.
- a croc will launch itself out of water like a missile, with no warning, so keep yourself, children and dogs well away from the water's edge in croc zones. Do not underestimate their ability to propel themselves far out of the water at speed.
- don't feed the crocs. it's illegal and it's dangerous.
- never provoke or interfere with crocodiles, even the small ones. if you come across croc babies - croquettes - leave the area immediately, don't play with them.
- these animals are mostly nocturnal. You won't see them, they'll see you. Don't swim after dusk.
- travel quietly in a stable boat when crocodile spotting. Never approach the crocodile too closely, and keep your hands and legs inside the boat at all times.
If a crocodile attacks you run away in a straight line. They can run about thirty feet [10m] or so [up to 20mph] before needing to slow down. Don't head towards the water though, as they will
out swim you all day long.
And if it has grabbed you:
- hit it repeatedly on its relatively sensitive nose and scream. Gators don't like resistance.
- don't try to pry the jaws open. You won't be able to.
- don't play dead. They like that.
If you're gonna travel abroad, make sure you are prepared... take it from us, travel insurance is an absolute must!
If you're gonna travel abroad, make sure you are prepared... take it from us, travel insurance is an absolute must!
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