How to Save Yourself from Different Types of Crocodiles (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-15 08:07

Various types of crocodiles (alligators, “common” crocodiles, caimans, and other members of their family) kill hundreds of people every year. Crocodile attacks are common in Africa and Asia, and these reptiles are also found in countries in the southern United States, Australia, Mexico, and South America. Crocodiles don't usually eat humans, but facts prove that crocodiles eat anything in their path. Crocodiles are also very defending their territory, especially during the breeding season. The best way to stay safe in a crocodile's habitat is to give this animal space and always be careful when near the waters where it lives. When attacked, you may be able to defend yourself if you fight back with the right strategy.

Step

Avoiding Crocodile Attack

1. Know and avoid the places where the crocodiles live. The surest way to survive an attack by a crocodile or alligator is to not encounter this animal at all. Crocodiles live in tropical areas of Africa, Asia, America and Australia, and depending on the species, crocodiles can live in fresh water as well as in salt water. If you live in or visit the tropics, check with residents and local authorities for the presence of crocodiles, alligators or caimans before visiting aquatic sites in the area.

   

   • Take the warnings in alligator-prone areas seriously.

   • Never swim outside the designated area, especially if the location is known to be prone to crocodiles. Conversely, if the place has the potential to become a swimming place and there is no prohibition sign, do not immediately assume that the place is safe.

   • Interestingly, nearly 95% of alligator attacks in northern Australia result in casualties among the local population. Don't feel like you've gotten used to it and end up recklessly considering or deciding, then putting yourself in danger by staying in the area.

2. Be careful if you are around waters where crocodiles live. More than 90% of all crocodile attacks occur near water and you have to be very careful to avoid crocodiles. Crocodiles usually live and swim slowly in waters that contain a lot of mud and vegetation, and are often found in swamps. Crocodiles can also be in lakes, ponds, rivers, river estuaries, man-made water tunnels, and swimming pools that are rarely / not used. Saltwater crocodiles can also be found on the beach, and can even cross the ocean!

   

   • Swimming in crocodile-prone waters is certainly very dangerous, but crocodiles have also been recorded attacking people who are simply fishing, fetching water, or bathing by the water's edge.
   • In particular, crocodiles are also known to attack and overturn boats, as well as drag people from boats into the water.

3. Know the specific times when alligators are at their most dangerous. Crocodiles can attack at any time, but are most active and most dangerous at dusk and at night. Try to stay out of the water before nightfall, but be careful during the day too.

   

   If you are in or near crocodile-prone waters at night, use a flashlight or bright light to check the area for crocodile eyes

4. Exercise extreme caution during crocodile breeding season. Crocodiles and alligators become very dangerous during the breeding season because their behavior becomes very aggressive. These animals are also often found on land during their mating season because they are looking for a partner and a comfortable place to nest. Mother crocodiles in the nest are very dangerous, and will defend the nest very aggressively.

   

   • Crocodile breeding season occurs at different times, depending on the species and location. If you live in an area where crocodiles live, get to know the customs of the local people in the area, and be especially careful during crocodile breeding season.
   • The breeding season for freshwater crocodiles in Australia starts mainly in July and August, and the nesting season lasts longer from September to April.
   • Florida alligators usually seek mates in May, with the breeding and nesting seasons for several months afterward.
   • When crocodiles are looking for a mate, remember to be alert if you are around the waters of their habitat, and when walking through grass or vegetation near those waters.

5. Stay alert to your surroundings. If you must be near crocodile habitat waters, stay alert at all times. Keep in mind that crocodiles are very good at hiding, and even a giant crocodile can be invisible beyond its nostrils above the surface of the water. Be especially careful if you are around muddy or murky water that is overgrown with vegetation. Even if you don't see a crocodile at all, it's safer to assume that there is a crocodile hiding there.

   

   • Keep your distance from the water when walking along its shores, and it's best not to pass through vegetation as crocodiles may be hiding there.
   • An alligator that feels threatened will make a hissing sound at you. If you hear an alligator hiss, try to find out where the sound is coming from, then run in the opposite direction as fast as you can but stay calm.

6. Do not take your dog for walks near crocodile or alligator habitats. Crocodiles are particularly attracted to the sounds and movements of smaller animals, and the American alligator is reported to be very fond of eating dogs. If you are walking your dog near water, keep a leash on and keep an eye on any movement around the water.

   

7. Do not allow small children to play by the water, or even play without adult supervision, if you live in a country known for its crocodile attacks. Crocodiles tend to prefer prey that are smaller than themselves, and unfortunately, many young children fall victim to crocodiles because of this fact.

   

8. Do not feed crocodiles or alligators. Feeding these wild animals means teaching him to lose his alertness when around humans and to connect humans with food. Don't accidentally feed the crocodiles, and be careful not to accidentally feed the crocodiles by throwing pieces of fish and other food debris into the water.

   

   Feeding the young alligators too at all not allowed. Keep in mind that the 61 cm alligator will grow to 3 meters and his mind will still expect humans to feed him. This is dangerous for both parties, the human and the alligator.

9. When camping in a country known for crocodiles or alligators, be sure to pitch your tent away from the water. You must pitch your tent at least 2 meters above the water's surface, and at least 50 meters from the water's edge. Check the area to make sure that previous campers haven't left any leftover food and debris that could attract crocodiles to your location, and remove any debris if you find it. Store food in a safe place, and dispose of all leftovers and trash in a safe can and away from your campsite.

   

The Right Reaction When You Meet a Crocodile

1. Keep your distance from crocodiles and alligators when you encounter them. If you see a crocodile, avoid it as far as possible. Wildlife rangers in Australia state that the minimum safe distance from crocodile habitat waters is at least 25 meters, and boats should be at least 10 meters away. The large crocodile can glide through the water at a speed of 60 km per hour, faster than the speed of human reaction.

   

   Crocodiles can also glide vertically from water. Do not stand near piers or bridges that are low over the water, lean on the edge of a boat or cling to trees close to crocodile habitat

2. Do not approach crocodile or alligator nests. If you see a baby alligator or a crocodile nest, leave the area immediately and calmly. Mother alligators will defend their young fearlessly and very aggressively.

   

   Gradually, crocodiles can enter areas where humans live, especially if humans live near water. If you see a crocodile in your yard or pond, first find a safe place and then contact local authorities

3. If you fall into crocodile-prone waters, stay calm. If you panic in the water and scream, this will attract the attention of the crocodile and may make the crocodile attack you. Swim or get closer to the edge as quickly and calmly as you can. You are also better off swimming under the surface of the water to avoid creating a ripple effect.

   

4. If you see a crocodile on land, stay calm and leave the area slowly. Don't try to approach him, attack him, or try to chase him away. If you find a crocodile in a place where humans live, such as in a yard or in a parking lot, first go to a safe place away from the crocodile and then contact your local wild forest officer to get rid of the crocodile.

   

5. If a crocodile bites or attacks you on land, RUN. If you suddenly encounter a crocodile or alligator, or if one of them tries to lunge at you, run away from the crocodile as quickly as possible. Although crocodiles have very fast movements in water, on land their speed is only 17 km per hour. This means that the human running speed is much faster than the crocodile's speed.

   

   • Make sure to run stay away from the waters, to avoid being attacked by the crocodile
   • Forget the old adage that suggests running in a zig zag pattern. The quickest way to escape from a crocodile or alligator is to run straight as fast as you can.

Survive Crocodile Attack

1. Do your best to stay calm and fight using strategy. Remaining calm when attacked by a crocodile may seem impossible, but it is the only way that can save your life.

   

   • If a crocodile bites you and then releases it, this may be an attack in self-defense (not to prey on you). Don't wait in place or try to counterattack, just run as fast as you can.
   • When they grab you, they will usually pull you into the water. If so, you will need to strike back to get the crocodile to let you go.

2. Attack the eye. Crocodile eyes are the most vulnerable part, and some people who have survived crocodile attacks report that they gouged out the crocodile's eye and managed to survive. Try gouging, kicking, or stabbing the crocodile's eye with your hand or with any object you can reach. Don't give up until you let go, you have to really fight for the safety of your life.

   

3. Attack the crocodile's head. If you hit the crocodile's head as often as you can, you have a better chance of escaping it. Someone else with you can help you escape a crocodile attack by hitting the crocodile with a stick, stick, paddle, etc., and hitting or kicking it especially in the head.

   

4. Attack the throat valve which is located behind the aloe vera. Crocodiles have a covering behind their tongue that protects their throat from getting water in. This shut-off valve prevents water from flowing into the crocodile's throat and keeps it from sinking when it opens its mouth. If the alligator has managed to pull you into the water, pulling this valve may be your only option. When you hold the valve, water will enter the crocodile's throat, and this will force it to release you.

   

   Hit the valve as hard as you can, so that the crocodile releases you

5. Seek immediate medical attention. Crocodile attacks will not only cause a lot of damage to body tissues and heavy bleeding, but will also cause infection. Crocodiles have a lot of bacteria in their mouths, and even a small bite by a tiny alligator or caiman can cause an immediate infection if left untreated.

   

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