Q&A for How to Survive an Encounter with a Crocodile or Alligator

Saltwater crocodiles, also known as "salties," are widely regarded as more aggressive and dangerous towards humans compared to freshwater crocodiles. This heightened aggression is attributed to their larger size, territorial nature, and preference for a wide range of habitats, including estuaries, mangrove swamps, and coastal areas. Saltwater crocodiles are opportunistic predators known to ambush prey that ventures too close to the water's edge, including humans. Their powerful jaws and ability to strike swiftly make encounters with saltwater crocodiles particularly perilous. As a result, caution is advised when navigating waterways inhabited by saltwater crocodiles, especially in regions where they are prevalent, such as Northern Australia and Southeast Asia.

If a crocodile is approaching you, it's best to back away. They indeed do have very weak jaw opening muscles, but the muscles for closing their jaws are very strong, so be careful. They can also still attack you with their actual bodies.

You can attack the crocodile/alligator. If they are weakened or severely injured, you can try to hit its head and eyes while it attacks your friend. This way you have a better chance of landing hits, since they are occupied. Realize that in trying to help your friend you are at risk from that crocodile/alligator or other ones but a life without caring for others is no life at all.

Yes, they do. American alligators can be found in Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Texas.

Alligators and crocodiles are faster in water, but on land, they can only run for a short time. The average human should be able to outrun an alligator or crocodile.

Try to hold your breath for as long as possible, and gauge its eyes. If you can reach the valve, rip at it and the croc should let you go.

Yes, it is possible for young alligators to attack.

Crocodiles usually attack if they are feeling threatened or territorial. They may also attack if they are feeling hungry, especially if they associate people with food and have lost their fear of people over time.

Unfortunately, this tactic rarely works. Unless the stick is positioned in a very precise way, the croc can easily crush it. It has a bite force of around 3,700 pounds, depending on the species. However, a thick log or branch may temporarily keep the animal's mouth open.

No.

Crocodiles tend to be more aggressive than alligators, but the differences are more evident between individual species.

No, alligators are freshwater reptiles. They can only survive in saltwater for a few days. If there is a heavy rain, alligators can be flushed out of their marsh or riverbed into the ocean, but they do not live in the ocean.

It's probable you won't be able to do much if this is the position you're put in and you will most likely already be dead. Crocodiles have a bite force value of 3,700 pounds for a 17-foot saltwater crocodile (as well as tooth pressures of 350,000 pounds per square inch). Don't put yourself in a position to be taken by a crocodile or alligator in the first place and all will be well.

Probably. If it attacks you, shout for help. You will need medical attention. If you are alone, you are less likely to survive.

No. In the United States, alligators live primarily in the Gulf Coast states, such as Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida. American crocodiles are found only in the southernmost parts of Florida and Puerto Rico.

Yes, because of the splashing of the paddles and your kayak might give off a wake attracting them.

Try to get someone's attention so that they can help you, or use the tactic at trying to get at their head again. This is a very difficult situation to come out of alive, so hopefully you can avoid it in the first place!

Okay, rule number one is know where the crocodiles/alligators are and behave accordingly so that you do not put yourself in harm's way. If you see one, move away and stay away. Follow the article contents for what to do if things escalate.

You can kill an alligator without stabbing it in the head or eye, but it is relatively difficult. If you cannot stab an alligator, use another method to stop an alligator without killing it. Hit the alligator's soft spots in the nose, neck or groin.

Yes, biting a crocodile or an alligator can be used as a last resort if they have incapacitated you by biting both of your arms.

Although some people keep alligators as pets (and sometimes crocodiles), these reptiles are never able to be completely tamed. It's extremely dangerous to try to keep one as a pet because they will always see you as potential prey.

Yes, crocodiles do, but I'm not sure about alligators.

American crocodiles tend to be larger and live in coastal areas with brackish water such as estuaries, while American alligators only live in freshwater. The American alligator has a more rounded snout as opposed to the pointier snout of the American crocodile. There are also differences in the dentition, but it is not recommended you get close enough to make such an observation.

They are very dangerous, under any circumstances. They are masters of stealth, most commonly waiting for their prey close to the waters edge, and once they've got a hold of you, it is more or less game over.

Yes, especially in the lakes.

It depends on what the food is and if it saw it. It might just pick up the food and leave you be, it may also try and attack if it wants more.

Alligators will mostly just keep their eyes and snout above the water, but they are very smart and will go underwater when necessary. They will also hide around vegetation, making themselves appear to be a log.

Yes, a shotgun will kill most things, including an alligator.

Nicabor, Andam and the eastern coast have crocodiles. There are no alligators in India.

Wild alligators live only in Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Texas.