Buzz
Crocodilians, such as alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and their relatives, claim hundreds of lives yearly. While most incidents happen in Africa and Asia, these formidable reptiles also inhabit parts of South America, Australia, Mexico, and the southern United States. Although crocodilians typically don't target humans for food, they will devour almost anything given the chance. They fiercely defend their territory, especially during mating season. The key to safety in their habitat is to maintain distance and exercise caution around water where they dwell. If attacked, strategic counteraction might increase survival chances.
Key Measures
Preventing an Encounter
Familiarize yourself with crocodilian habitats and avoid them. The most reliable way to evade a run-in with a crocodile or alligator is to steer clear of them altogether. Crocodilians inhabit tropical areas across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia, residing in both freshwater and saltwater environments. If you're in or visiting a tropical zone, consult locals and authorities regarding the presence of crocodiles, alligators, or caimans before approaching any water bodies.
- Take heed of warning signs indicating crocodilian presence.
- Avoid swimming outside designated areas in regions known for crocodilian activity. Don't assume unmarked swimming spots are safe.
- Ironically, nearly 95% of recent crocodile attacks in northern Australia involved locals. Don't let familiarity with crocodilians lull you into a false sense of security.
Exercise extreme caution in areas inhabited by crocodilians. More than 90% of crocodile attacks occur in or near water, so it's crucial to be extremely careful. Crocodilians typically dwell in slow-moving bodies of water with mud and vegetation, such as swamps and marshes, but they can also be found in lakes, ponds, rivers, estuaries, canals, and occasionally swimming pools. Saltwater crocodiles may even venture onto ocean beaches and into the open sea!
- Swimming in crocodilian territory is obviously risky, but these creatures also target people fishing, collecting water, or standing near the water's edge.
- Crocodiles are known to capsize boats and drag people into the water, so be cautious even when boating.
Understand when crocodilians pose the greatest threat. Crocodilians can attack at any time, but they are most active and dangerous during dusk and nighttime. It's best to steer clear of water bodies before nightfall, but stay vigilant during daylight hours as well.
- If you're near water after dark, use a flashlight or headlamp to check for eye-shine, which indicates the presence of crocodiles.
Exercise heightened caution during breeding season.
Alligators and crocodiles are most aggressive during mating season, and encounters are more common on land as they search for mates or nesting sites. Nesting mothers, in particular, are fiercely protective.
- Breeding seasons vary by species and location, so familiarize yourself with local habits and exercise extra caution accordingly.
- For example, breeding season for freshwater crocodiles in Australia typically begins in July and extends through April, while Florida's alligators usually breed from May onward.
- During breeding season, be cautious both in and around water, and be especially careful near vegetation.
Stay constantly aware of your surroundings. If you're near crocodilian habitats, maintain vigilance at all times. Remember that crocodilians are skilled at hiding, so even a large crocodile may reveal only its nostrils above the water's surface. Be particularly cautious near murky water and vegetation, assuming crocodiles are present even if they're not visible.
- Keep a safe distance from the water's edge and avoid areas where crocodiles could hide in vegetation.
- If you hear a hissing sound, it could be an alarmed alligator. Determine its location and quietly move away in the opposite direction.
Avoid walking dogs near crocodilian habitats. Crocodilians are attracted to the movement and sounds of small animals, and alligators have been known to prey on dogs. If you must walk your dog near water, keep it on a leash and remain vigilant for any signs of activity in or near the water.
Avoid leaving small children unsupervised near the water's edge in areas inhabited by crocodilians, as attacks on children are unfortunately common.
Never feed alligators or crocodiles as it encourages them to lose their fear of humans and associate people with food, which can lead to dangerous encounters. Be cautious not to feed them either intentionally or accidentally by disposing of edible refuse properly.
When camping in areas where crocodiles or alligators are present, ensure your campsite is set up at a safe distance from the water, ideally at least 2 meters above the high water mark and 50 meters from the water's edge. Dispose of food scraps and garbage securely away from your campsite to avoid attracting these animals.
Responding to an Encounter with a Crocodilian
Maintain a safe distance from alligators and crocodiles if you encounter them. Keep at least 25 meters away from crocodiles in the water and maintain a distance of 10 meters if you're in a boat. These animals can move swiftly, reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h, and can also leap out of the water vertically.
Avoid approaching a nest belonging to an alligator or crocodile. If you encounter baby crocodilians or a nest, leave the area quietly and swiftly. Mother crocodilians fiercely protect their offspring and should not be provoked.
If you fall into water inhabited by crocodilians, stay calm. Making noise and thrashing about can attract crocodilians and provoke an attack. Swim or wade to shore calmly and quietly, ideally remaining submerged to minimize splashing.
Stay composed and slowly leave the vicinity if you encounter a crocodilian on land. Do not approach, antagonize, or attempt to relocate the animal. In urban settings, such as backyards or parking lots, maintain a safe distance and notify local wildlife authorities for assistance.
If a crocodilian charges at you on land, RUN. If you encounter an alligator or crocodile or if one approaches you, swiftly move away from the animal. Although they are swift in water, crocodilians can only run at speeds up to 17 km/h (10 mph) on land, a pace that most humans can outrun over short distances.
Strategies for Surviving an Encounter
Strive to maintain composure and respond strategically to defend yourself. While it may seem implausible to remain composed during an animal attack, doing so could be vital for survival.
- If the crocodilian initially bites and releases, it may be a defensive action. Do not hesitate; flee immediately.
- However, if the animal clamps onto you, it likely intends to drag you underwater. In such a scenario, you must counterattack until it releases its grip.
Target the animal's eyes. The eyes are the most vulnerable part of the crocodilian, and survivors of croc attacks have credited eye gouging with their survival. Strive to gouge, kick, or jab the animal in the eye with whatever means available. Persevere until you break free; your life depends on it.
Focus your strikes on the animal's head. Deliver as many blows as possible to the animal's head to increase the likelihood of it releasing its grip. Onlookers witnessing a crocodilian attack can aid by striking the animal with objects like sticks, poles, or oars, and by kicking and punching, particularly targeting the head.
Target the palatal valve located behind the animal's tongue. Crocodilians possess a flap of tissue behind the tongue that covers their throats when submerged. This flap prevents water from entering their throats, averting drowning. If submerged, seizing this valve may be your sole recourse. Once grasped, it induces water flow into the crocodile's throat, compelling it to release you.
- Forceful strikes to this valve can also prompt the animal to relinquish its grip.
Immediately seek medical assistance. Crocodilian attacks often result in substantial tissue damage and blood loss, with a high risk of infection. These creatures harbor copious bacteria in their mouths, and even a minor bite from a small alligator or caiman can swiftly lead to infection if untreated promptly.
