An In-Depth Guide on Surviving a Crocodile Attack

An in-depth guide to surviving a crocodile attack. An In-Depth Guide on Surviving a Crocodile Attack thegearhunt.com

This world we live in is filled with wonder, but danger also lurks in the shadows. When we decide that it is time for an adventure, we must take all the necessary precautions to stay safe. If you are planning on traveling south into warmer climates and have decided to do some backcountry exploring. Be cautious of the wildlife that wanders the area.

The south is known for a variety of wildlife, but one of the most recognized is the crocodile. If you are going to be in any wetland area, be cautious and don’t find yourself a victim of a crocodile attack. This situation may be very unlikely, but you never know what an adventure will bring. Below, we have taken the time to guide you through some methods to survive a crocodile attack.

What is the Difference Between A Crocodile and an Alligator?

One of the most asked questions when it comes to crocodiles and alligators, is: what is the difference?

Crocodiles are defined by their snouts as they tend to be pointed. They also live solely in saltwater. They can be found all around the world, anywhere you may find saltwater rivers or lakes. Crocodiles are also quite temperamental, so they will get aggressive quicker than an alligator.

Alligators have a wider mouth and are only found in the United States. They are also mainly found in bodies of freshwater. They are also quite a bit darker in color than crocodiles.   

Overall, the best way to tell if you are looking at a crocodile or alligator is by looking at the terrain you’re surrounded by. If you are in an area that has saltwater, you most likely will be around crocodiles. With this information, you should now have the basics to decipher if you are in a crocodile country or not. 

Why A Crocodile Attacks

Before you are introduced to methods that will help you survive a crocodile attack. It is best to understand why these creatures may attack in the first place. 

One thing is for sure, crocodiles are not on a mission to personally attack humans. Most of the time there is a reason why the attack occurred in the first place. Below we will take a look at some of those reasons.  

Prey

One of the main reasons that a crocodile may attack is because it mistakes you for dinner. Crocodiles are hunters and carnivores. They usually attack anything that is within a range that moves, as it senses that it’s food. 

Crocodiles not only will attack if you are in the water but these reptiles also will come onto land if you are in close range. Crocodile attacks tend to happen to younger children. This is because they are seen as smaller prey and easier to catch. Be cautious when around any bodies of water, especially if you are off the grid. 

Threatened

Another reason a crocodile will attack is that it feels as though it is threatened. If it feels threatened, like any animal, it will look to defend itself. As stated above, these creatures have a temper and the slightest action can agitate them. You should never look to get close to a crocodile. The closer you get the more chances that you could experience an attack.

Mating Season

Depending on the time of the year, you may find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you’re near them during the mating season, this can be more chances of an attack. Crocodiles are already quite temperamental creatures. They’re even more aggressive when they’re trying to mate.

Crocodiles will also defend their mates or nest, so you may unknowingly be near a nest. This means you may be in a dangerous situation and not even know it. Try and do some research and avoid being in the wetlands during the crocodile mating season.

How to Avoid a Crocodile Attack

If you are traveling down south this year and will be in a wetland area. You most likely will be in croc country. Even though you are aware that there will be crocodiles in the area, you should still be cautious and avoid them. If you have seen crocodile attack videos, you know that it is not a pretty sight.

Be Aware

The easiest method to avoid a crocodile attack is to be aware.  You may need to do some research before you head out on any adventures to ensure you know what to do in the event of an attack.

You need to stay away from water that you know is home to crocodiles. If you are not near a crocodile habitat, then you will have no threat. If you are aware that there are crocs in the area you will be visiting, be aware of your surroundings. 

Be on guard and look for any signs that a crocodile is close by. They are famous for surprise attacks.

If you are going to be staying in an Airbnb or camping in the wetlands be cautious. Do not leave anything around that can tempt a crocodile to visit your camp. Overall, your first line of defense against not coming face to face with a croc is being aware.

Keep Your Distance

If you happen to come across a crocodile, keep your distance. The rule of thumb is to stay at least 15-20 feet away. The reason you want to stay at least 15 feet away is that this is safe territory, and you are not in attack range. Crocs are quite fast. If you have some distance between you and the creature, you have an opportunity to get away.  

How to Survive a Crocodile Attack

If you happen to find yourself in a situation where you are surprised by a crocodile and happen to be a victim of an attack. Do not think that you are done for. There are methods to help you survive this attack. Below we have listed some methods to keep in mind if you ever happen to find yourself in this situation.  

Run

One of the first things that will come to mind if you happen to be to close to a crocodile will to get out of there and run. This is a good instinctive call. Crocodiles are fast but use energy quickly. They most of the time have a quick sprint in them, but will quickly retreat, especially if you are on land.

If you have an opportunity to start running, get going and do not look back until you are tired. Most likely you have outrun the crocodile and will be in safe territory.  

Go For The Eyes

Let’s say you are way past the opportunity to run and are faced head-on with a crocodile. Your best line of defense is to go for the croc’s eyes. Their eyes are vulnerable and are quite large so are easy targets.

If you happen to get a good shot on a crocodile’s eyes it will most likely give you an opportunity to get free. Crocodiles are very protective of their eyes. If any irritation or pain comes to them, they will try and retreat.  

Fight For Your Life

If you have attempted to attack the croc’s eyes but are not quite getting a strike on them, continue fighting. Never give up and keep fighting against the croc as you may get a lucky strike and get a chance to get away. These creatures have quite a few vulnerable spots, so if you get a lucky hit, it could be the difference between death and survival.   

Give Yourself a Chance

None of us want to be in any situation where we are fighting for our lives. The reality is that we share this world with a variety of creatures and not all of them are friendly. Some of us may find ourselves in a situation where we need to fight for our lives.

With the proper knowledge of how to protect ourselves from these deadly creatures. It can one day save our lives. Above we have learned about the deadly crocodile and just what to do if you find yourself a victim of a saltwater crocodile attack. So take this knowledge and tips and be a little safer while exploring in the wetlands this year.