Crocs and Gators

                                        

In my previous post, I shared a recent incident of four kids caught playing with a crocodile while swimming in a river. So I thought why not hit your guys with some facts about this predator.

First off, there are two types of species, the crocodile and the alligator. Crocodiles and Alligators are from the same family and thus we might not know the difference between them. They are both predator but their differences can be noticed from few aspects.. These creatures do not necessarily attack humans. Since they are ferocious hunter and opportunistic predators, they attack any warm blooded creatures and they definately do not discriminate. So if you go splashing near a croc or gator when it is hungry, you know what's coming for you.

Differences: 

1) Snouts: Alligators have wide, U-shaped snouts while crocodiles have pointed, V-shaped snouts. Alligator's snout are designed for strength and they are capable of withstanding massive amount of pressure like breaking hard-shells of other creatures. A crocodile's snout is not as strong as an alligator's but it can withstand a certain of pressure.

                                          

2) Tooth grin: When crocodiles close their snouts they look like they're giving a grin. They have the fourth tooth on each side of their jaw sticking up the upper jaw. For alligators, the upper jaw is wider than the lower ones hence their teeth are not that visible or almost hidden when their snouts are closed. 

                                         

3) Colour: Adult alligator’s skin is usually a darker, grayish or black color, but the skin of adult crocodiles is usually a lighter tan/brown color. Usually it depends on the habitat they live in. Alligators prefer living in dark areas of swamps or slow-moving rivers so they get a darker complexion on their bodies. Crocodile tend to live in lighter coloured water which makes their complexion lighter which is also suitable as camouflage. 

                                                   

4) Habitat: Crocodiles are usually found in salt water habitats whereas alligators prefer fresh water areas.

5) Behaviour: Crocodile are more aggressive than alligators. But of course, they are called predators because they do react when threatened.

                                         

6) Dermal Pressure Receptors (DPR): If you look at a crocodile or alligator’s head, especially the jaws and nose, you’ll see a lot of tiny black speckles. These tiny dots are called Dermal Pressure Receptors (or DPRs), which are capable of detecting small pressure changes in water to help them locate and capture their prey.

                                          

So, these are some interesting facts about crocs and gators. Now here's a link to a story about a man who got attacked by a crocodile and how he survived it (https://www.discoverwildlife.com/holidays-days-out/how-to-survive-a-crocodile-attack/). 

From the link, there were few tips given just incase you got attack by a croc or gator.

1) The first and fore most tip is of course to avoid getting attacked in the first place. Don't pretend to be some animal expert or stunt man and get near to these creatures. 

2) Don't swim in areas that have crocs or gators. And if you must swim, avoid backwaters and inlets because that's where they lie in wait.

3) If your boat capsized and you are forced to swim, try your level best to keep calm. Panicking will only attract these predators. Therefore, do not scream or splash in this situation.

4) If you fall in, swim straight to the shores using breaststrokes and underwater method if you can.

Hopefully you don't get yourself into such situations but bare in mind if you ever see these creatures lurking around you, don't provoke them.