How to survive when attacked by a crocodile and an alligator?

2023 Author: Katelyn Chandter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 13:08

Humans are not part of the normal diet of alligators and crocodiles, but they are often prey to them. Crocodiles are more dangerous than sharks and kill people 100 times more often. How to survive when attacked by a crocodile and an alligator?

Many people are afraid of sharks but underestimate the risks posed by crocodiles and alligators. There are significantly fewer deaths with shark attacks. Crocodiles kill 1,000 to 2,000 people a year. In Africa, statistics are poorly maintained, so the exact number of deaths from reptiles is unknown.

What is the difference between a crocodile and an alligator?

Crocodiles are larger than alligators and more aggressive. They can reach up to 7 meters in length when alligators are no more than 4 meters. Crocodiles have a long and narrow muzzle (V-shaped), while alligators have a flattened and blunt muzzle (U-shaped). Crocodiles can live in salt water, while alligators can only live in fresh water. Crocodiles live in Africa, Australia, America and Asia, and alligators only in America and China.

What crocodiles and alligators are most often attacked?

In the first place, according to attacks, is the Nile crocodile. Dangerous crested, swampy and sharp-snouted crocodile. Black caiman also often attacks people.

Who is more dangerous than a crocodile or an alligator?

Alligators feed on fish, birds, turtles and other reptiles. They rarely see humans as prey and only attack as a last resort. But not crocodiles. They already view the person as a victim and are very dangerous.

Which crocodiles and alligators are dangerous?

Mortal danger comes from any reptile over 1.5 meters and weighing over 30 kg. The powerful jaw allows even small individuals to tear their prey to pieces and then eat.

When are crocodiles most dangerous?

90% of cases of attacks on humans occur between November and May. At this time, they guard their territory and protect young offspring. During this period, it is better to refrain from visiting reptile habitats.

Where can crocodiles attack?

Stay away from reptile habitats. 90% of attacks occur in or near water. Crocodiles prefer stagnant or slow-flowing water, where there is a lot of mud and dirt. Crocodiles can live in lakes, rivers, canals and even in the sea.

How not to be attacked by a crocodile?

• Pay attention to signs that warn of the presence of dangerous reptiles.
• Do not swim in areas where there is no designated swimming area. This can be a dangerous place.
• Do not walk your dog in areas where crocodiles can live.
• Do not let children walk by the water alone. Crocodiles prefer small targets.
• Do not pitch your tent closer than 50 meters from the water and less than 2 meters above the water.
• Do not bend over the water, because crocodiles can jump out of it.
• Don't go near the crocodile or alligator nest.

What time do crocodiles attack more often?

Crocodiles can attack at any time, but more often they act at night and at dusk. Stay out of the water and use a flashlight or headlights to illuminate the area.

What if you are in the water with a crocodile?

Did the boat overturn, start swimming in a dangerous place, or fell into the water? Get out immediately. Don't scream, splash or flounder. This will attract the attention of the crocodiles. Get out of the water as quickly as possible. You can dive and swim underwater to make less noise.

What if I noticed a crocodile?

Did you spot a crocodile from afar? Remain calm and quietly retreat to safety. Do not turn your back on the reptile, you can miss the moment when he decides to attack. At the sight of your boat, the crocodile threw himself into the water? Most likely he was scared himself and wants to wait in the water until you disappear from sight. But you better swim away as quickly as possible.

How to run away from a crocodile?

If the distance between you is less than 5 meters, then you need to immediately and very quickly run away. Crocodiles are very fast, but only for short distances. You should not try to run away in zigzags, because crocodiles are much more nimble, and your speed will be low. The speed of crocodiles is 17 km per hour on land, and a person is able to run faster. Run as fast as possible with all your might, but avoid bumping into another reptile.

What to do when fighting a crocodile?

• If the crocodile bit and lowered, then he defended himself. Get out as quickly as possible. But if the crocodile does not loosen its grip, then he wants to drag you into the water.
• The most vulnerable part of a crocodile is its eyes. Act according to the situation. Hit them with your fist, kick with your foot, press with your fingers or hit with a stick.
• Hit the crocodile in the nostrils when the reptile's eyes are out of reach. The nostrils are less sensitive, so hit as hard as possible. You can strike with a fist like a hammer.
• Hit the crocodile on a vulnerable head, not on a sturdy body. Other people can hit him on the head with sticks to force the victim to release.
• Avoid getting limbs into the mouth of the reptile. If an arm or leg is inside, then you need to act immediately. Behind the base of the tongue, deep in the mouth, there is a palatine valve. This valve prevents water from entering the throat when the crocodile opens its mouth. Try hitting the valve hard and painfully to force the reptile to let go.
• If you press the crocodile's face to the ground, it will be more difficult for him to open it, but it is better not to try to do it.
• Crocodile attacked in the water, grabbed by the leg or arm? Try to grab onto the palatal valve, which will cause water to enter. The crocodile will be forced to retreat. If the crocodile grabbed the leg, then try hitting the eyes with your foot or hands. This can be painful for the reptile.
• Seek help immediately after a crocodile attack. This will avoid blood poisoning and fatal infections.

If a crocodile or an alligator attacked, then this is not the end. About 45% of the victims of the reptiles were able to survive, giving her a real fight.