Salt Water Crocodiles

Crocodile Rock

Saltwater crocodiles have many names, some of them include; crocodylsus porosus, estuarine crocodile, gator, baya, croc or even salty. They are found in warmer climates throughout Southeast Asia and northern Australia. They are the largest animals in the reptile family. Saltwater crocs also have a bad reputation of being one of the most deadly creatures to humans for their big appeitie, strong bite and sometimes cranky disposition.

Yummy Food

Saltwater crocodiles are ambitious predator in the sense that they are capable of hunting animals much larger then themselves and also stronger. Even though they are saltwater crocodiles, it does not mean they are only limited to catching food in water. Although they are more graceful swimmers then they are walkers, they have been known to enjoy a water buffalo every once in awhile, either found on land or in the water. As crocs grow in size and learn how to better hunters, their diets change too. As juveniles, they are often restricted to eating insects, amphibians, small reptiles and fish. But as they grow, so does their appetite and then they can enjoy larger prey such as; monkeys, wild boars, water buffalo, sharks and an Australian delicacy; the dingo!

Going on a Croc Hunt? This is Where to Look...

Saltwater crocs generally spend their time in freshwater swamps and rivers but sometimes travel far out to sea. They are territorial creatures and will fight brutally among each other for the most eligible creeks and streams. This is why their habitat is dispersed so far and ranges from the coast of India to northern Australia.

For other croc related info visit National Geographic by clicking on this link.

A Long, Long Time Ago

Saltwater crocodiles originated 200 million years ago during the late Triassic Period. They were once land dwellers and roamed the land with dinosaurs. But over time, they have slowly evolved and now mainly live in the water.

Attack!!

Salties which are lethargic (a animal that can survive months at a time with no food) tend to bask in the sun and prefer to hunt at night. However, they are speedy animals that can move faster than race horses. They like to sneak attack by waiting on the water edge until prey comes close enough for them to strike without warning for tasty little treat. The crocodile will then pull the prey into the water and wait for it to drown. Its most famous move is called the "Death Roll" where it will grab onto an animal and roll continuously with great strength until it eventually snaps the prey's neck or rips it apart.

They're huge!

The average adult saltwater crocodile reaches up to 5 metres in length (16.6 ft.) and weighs around 770 kg. (1697 lbs). There are records however, of some saltwater crocodiles reaching up to 9 metres (30 ft.). Females are typically smaller than the males and are usually around 2.5 metres long. The largest "official" crocodile alive right now lives in Orissa, India and has officially been measured to be 23 ft. in length. Larger crocodiles may exist still, but no verifiable evidence has been found.