Buzz
American crocodiles, African crocodiles, caimans, and their relatives claim hundreds of lives each year. While most crocodile attacks occur in Africa and Asia, these formidable reptiles also inhabit various regions of South America, Australia, Mexico, and the southern United States. Crocodiles generally do not see humans as prey, but in reality, they will consume almost anything when given the opportunity. They are also highly territorial creatures, particularly during mating season. The best way to stay safe in crocodile habitats is to keep your distance and be cautious when approaching waters that may be home to these creatures. In the event of a crocodile attack, you can defend yourself by fighting back strategically.
Steps
Avoiding an Attack
Know where crocodiles live and stay away. The only surefire way to avoid crocodile attacks is to not encounter them in the first place. Crocodiles typically reside in tropical climates across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia. Depending on the species, crocodiles can live in either freshwater or saltwater. If you live or are traveling to tropical regions, consult with locals or relevant authorities to learn about the presence of crocodiles in the area before approaching any bodies of water.
- Do not ignore crocodile warning signs.
- Never swim outside designated swimming areas in regions known to have crocodile populations. Even if a body of water appears safe for swimming but lacks warning signs, do not assume it is.
- Notably, nearly 95% of recent crocodile attacks in northern Australia have involved local residents. Do not let familiarity with crocodiles lull you into complacency when near them.
Be Extremely Cautious When Near Crocodile-Infested Waters. Over 90% of crocodile attacks occur near water, so it is crucial to stay highly alert to avoid encountering them. Crocodiles are typically found in or around calm, murky waters with plenty of vegetation, such as swamps. They may also reside in rivers, estuaries, canals, and occasionally even swimming pools. Saltwater crocodiles can even be found on beaches and can swim across seas!
- Swimming in crocodile habitats is clearly dangerous, but crocodiles also attack those fishing, fetching water, or wading along the shore.
- African crocodiles are known to attack and overturn boats, even pulling people off boats and into the water.
Know When Crocodiles Are Most Dangerous. Crocodiles can attack at any time, but they are particularly hazardous during dusk and at night. It's best to avoid crocodile habitats before nightfall, but remain cautious during the day as well.
- If you're near crocodile-infested waters after dark, frequently use a flashlight or spotlight to spot the reflective eyes of crocodiles.
Be Especially Cautious During Crocodile Breeding Seasons. Crocodiles are at their most dangerous during mating and nesting seasons when they become more aggressive. It’s also common to encounter crocodiles on land during this time as they wander in search of mates or nesting sites. Female crocodiles are particularly aggressive while guarding their nests and will fiercely protect their eggs.
- Crocodile breeding seasons vary by species and location. If you live in an area with crocodiles, familiarize yourself with the habits of local species and stay especially vigilant during their breeding seasons.
- The breeding season for freshwater crocodiles in Australia typically starts in July and August, with the egg incubation period lasting from September to April.
- Florida crocodiles usually begin their mating season in May, followed by a prolonged breeding and egg incubation period.
- During crocodile breeding seasons, exercise extreme caution when near water or around areas where crocodiles live, even when passing through grassy or wooded regions near water.
Always Stay Aware of Your Surroundings. If you must be near or on water where crocodiles live, always remain vigilant. Remember, crocodiles are masters of concealment, and even a giant crocodile can perfectly hide itself, leaving nothing visible except its nostrils above the water’s surface. Be especially alert when near murky, muddy water and areas with vegetation. Always be mentally prepared that even if you don’t see a crocodile, it could still be present.
- Keep a safe distance from the water’s edge when walking along riverbanks, and avoid areas with vegetation where crocodiles could be hiding.
- American crocodiles may emit a hissing sound when they feel threatened by an enemy. If you hear a crocodile hiss, try to locate the source of the sound and move away quickly in the opposite direction.
Do Not Walk Your Dog Near Crocodile Habitats. Crocodiles are attracted to the noise and movement of smaller animals, and dogs are a favored prey of American crocodiles. If you must take your dog near water, always keep it on a leash and stay alert for any signs of movement in the water or nearby areas.
Never let young children play near rivers or in crocodile territory without adult supervision. Crocodiles tend to target smaller prey, and unfortunately, crocodile attacks on children are quite common.
Under no circumstances should you feed crocodiles. Feeding crocodiles removes their natural fear of humans and links people with food. Avoid feeding crocodiles and refrain from tossing fish scraps or anything edible into the water, as this unintentionally feeds them.
- Also, don’t feed baby crocodiles. Remember, a 60 cm baby crocodile will grow into a 3-meter adult that still expects to be fed. This poses a risk to the animal and anyone it encounters.
When camping in crocodile territory, always set up camp far from the water. Your tent should be at least 2 meters higher than the maximum water level and at least 50 meters away from the water's edge. Check the surroundings thoroughly to ensure previous campers didn’t leave food scraps that could attract crocodiles. Store food securely and dispose of leftovers and trash in a tightly sealed container far from the campsite.
What to do when encountering a crocodile
Maintain a safe distance when you spot a crocodile. If you see a crocodile, move as far away as possible. Australian wildlife conservationists suggest maintaining a minimum safe distance of 25 meters from a crocodile in the water, and boats should stay at least 10 meters away. A large crocodile can travel through water at speeds of up to 60 km/h, faster than most people's reaction time.
- Crocodiles can also launch themselves vertically from beneath the water. Avoid standing on docks or low bridges over water, leaning over boat sides, or sitting on branches extending over water where crocodiles might be lurking below.
Never approach a crocodile's nest. If you spot baby crocodiles or a crocodile nest, leave the area quietly and as quickly as possible. Mother crocodiles are very aggressive when protecting their young, so avoid provoking them.
- Sometimes, crocodiles wander into residential areas, especially where people live close to water. If you encounter a crocodile in your backyard, pool, etc., the first thing to do is get to a safe location and then contact local authorities.
If you fall into water where crocodiles live, stay calm. Thrashing and yelling will attract the crocodile's attention and could provoke it to attack. Swim or wade to the shore as quickly, quietly, and calmly as possible, keeping your body submerged to avoid splashing the water.
If you spot a crocodile on land, remain calm and slowly move away. Do not approach the animal, attack it, or try to move it. If you come across a crocodile in a residential area, such as in your backyard or a parking lot, your first step should be to maintain a safe distance from the animal, then contact local authorities to handle the situation.
If a crocodile grabs or attacks you on land, RUN. If you accidentally encounter a crocodile or if it starts moving towards you, run away as fast as possible. Crocodiles are quick in the water, but on land, they can only reach a speed of 17 km/h, a pace that most people can outrun over short distances.
- Make sure to run away from the water to avoid falling into the jaws of other crocodiles.
- Forget about the old myth of running in zigzags to escape; the quickest way to outrun a crocodile is by running in a straight line. This is because humans (and other animals) run faster in a straight line.
Surviving a Crocodile Attack
Remain as calm as possible and respond strategically. While staying calm when attacked by an animal might seem impossible, it could be the only way to save your life.
- If the alligator bites you once and releases you, it might just be defending itself. Don’t freeze or retaliate – run away as fast as possible.
- If the animal holds on to you, it is likely trying to drag you into the water. In this case, you must fight the alligator until it lets go.
Strike at the animal's eyes. The eyes of a crocodile are the most vulnerable part, and many survivors of crocodile attacks have shared that they escaped by striking the crocodile’s eyes. Try to gouge, kick, or poke the crocodile’s eyes with your hands or any object you can grab. Don’t give up until you’re free – you’re literally fighting for your life.
Hit the crocodile’s head. If you land several blows on the animal's head, it’s more likely to release you. Bystanders may assist by striking the crocodile with sticks, paddles, rocks, or even fists, especially targeting its head.
Target the palate valve at the back of the animal's throat. Crocodiles have a flap of tissue behind their tongues that seals their throats when submerged. This mechanism prevents water from entering their throats, enabling them to open their mouths underwater without drowning. If the animal has dragged you into the water, your only option might be to grab the crocodile’s palate valve. Once you hold this part, water will enter its throat, forcing it to release you.
- Strong strikes to the crocodile's palate valve may also make it let go of you.
Seek immediate medical attention. Crocodile attacks not only cause tissue damage and blood loss but can also lead to rapid infections. These animals carry a vast number of bacteria in their mouths, and even a small wound from a smaller crocodile can quickly become infected if not treated promptly.
