Crocodylias - alligators, crocodiles, caimans and the like - kill hundreds of people every year. Although most of these attacks occur in Africa and Asia, these powerful reptiles are also found in certain areas of South America, Australia and the southern United States. Crocodylia do not usually attack humans, but, in reality, they feed on whatever comes their way. They also vigorously defend their territory, especially during the mating season. The best way to stay safe in the habitat of these animals is to give them space and be cautious around the water areas where they might live. In the event of an attack, you may be able to save yourself by reacting strategically.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Avoiding an Attack
Step 1. Learn where crocodiles live and avoid those areas
The only sure way to survive an encounter with a crocodile is to not find one in front of you. Crocodylia live in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, America and Australia and, depending on the species, can survive in fresh and salt water. If you live in or need to visit a tropical region, ask the locals and authorities about the presence of crocodiles or alligators before approaching any body of water.
- Do not ignore the warning signs of the presence of crocodiles.
- Never enter waters outside the delimited areas in the regions where these animals are present. If there are no warning signs in a bathing area, do not assume it is safe.
- According to an interesting statistic, nearly 95% of recent crocodile attacks in Northern Australia have involved locals. Don't let familiarity with crocodiles lead you to a false sense of security in their presence.
Step 2. Be very careful in crocodile-populated waters
More than 90% of crocodile attacks occur in or near water, so take extra care to avoid these areas. These animals usually live in near-stagnant waters that contain a lot of mud and vegetation, and can often be found in swamps and marshes. They can also inhabit lakes, ponds, rivers, estuaries, artificial canals and, in rare cases, swimming pools. Saltwater crocodiles can also be found on ocean beaches or offshore!
- Swimming in waters where crocodiles are present is naturally dangerous, but these animals also attack fishermen, those who fetch water or those who walk along the banks of a river.
- Crocodiles, in particular, can attack and overturn small boats and even attack sailors and drag them into the water.
Step 3. Learn when crocodiles are most dangerous
Crocodiles can attack at any time, but they are more active and dangerous at dusk and at night. Try to stay well out of the water before nightfall - but don't let your guard down during the day.
If you find yourself near or in infested waters after dark, use a flashlight or miner's lamp to check the surrounding area frequently
Step 4. Be extra careful during mating season
Alligators and crocodiles are more dangerous when they mate and reproduce, because they are more aggressive. It also increases the likelihood of encountering them on the ground during this period, because in some cases they wander in search of a mate or a lair. The mothers who protect the burrow are particularly ferocious and will attack anyone to protect the brood.
- The reproductive season varies according to the species of the Crocodylia and their geographical position. If you live in an area where they are present, familiarize yourself with the habits of the native population, and be especially careful during the breeding season.
- For Australian freshwater crocodiles, the breeding season usually begins in July and August, and the burrowing season is from September to April.
- Florida alligators usually begin breeding in May, and breeding and burrowing seasons last for several months.
- During the mating season, remember to be careful around and in infested waters and when walking through tall grass or vegetation near the water.
Step 5. Always be aware of the area around you
If you have to go to crocodile-populated waters, always stay alert. Remember that Crocodylia are masters of camouflage and even a giant crocodile can only show its nostrils above the surface of the water. Be especially careful in muddy or murky waters and where there is vegetation. Even if you can't see a crocodile, always assume there are.
- Stay away from the water when walking ashore, and avoid the vegetation so dense as to provide a good hiding place for these animals.
- Alligators that feel threatened may hiss. If you hear an alligator hissing, try to figure out where the sound is coming from, then run away in the opposite direction, as quietly and quickly as possible.
Step 6. Don't take your dog for walks in alligator and crocodile habitats
Crocodylias are attracted to the noises and movements of small animals, and American alligators, in particular, seem to be very fond of dogs. If you take your dog out near the water, keep him on a leash and watch out for movements in the water.
Step 7. Do not allow small children to play ashore or to be unsupervised in an area where crocodiles are present
Crocodiles prefer small prey and, unfortunately, attacks on children are quite common.
Step 8. Don't feed alligators or crocodiles
Feeding these animals teaches them not to fear man and to associate him with food. Never feed them voluntarily, and be careful not to accidentally do so by throwing scraps of fish or other edible foods into the water.
Feeding only the little ones Not it's allowed. Remember that a 60cm long alligator will one day become a 3m alligator that will still expect humans to feed it. This makes him more dangerous for himself and for the men he will meet.
Step 9. When camping in an area where crocodiles are present, be sure to pitch your tents away from the water
You should pitch your tent at least 2 meters above the high tide level, and at least 50 meters from the shore. Check the area to make sure previous campers haven't left any food and junk that might attract crocodiles to your location, and clean up whatever you find. Store food safely and throw all leftovers and rubbish in closed bins away from your tent.
Part 2 of 3: Reacting when You Encounter a Crocodile
Step 1. Keep your distance from a crocodile when you see it
If you see one, stay as far away as possible. Australian authorities indicate that the minimum safe distance in the water from a crocodile is at least 25 meters, and that boats should remain at least 10 meters away. Large crocodiles can sprint into the water at speeds of up to 60km / h, faster than people can react.
Crocodiles also manage to jump vertically out of the water. Do not stand on low docks or decks over the water and do not lean over the sides of a boat. Don't even hang from a tree over haunted waters
Step 2. Never go near a crocodile den
If you notice a baby crocodile or a nest, leave the area as quickly and quietly as possible. Crocodile mothers defend their cubs without fear and are not to be provoked.
In rare cases, crocodiles go into areas populated by humans, especially when they are very close to water. If you encounter a crocodile in the garden, swimming pool, etc., go to a safe place first, then call the local authorities
Step 3. If you fall into a body of water where crocodiles are present, keep calm
Splashing water and screaming would attract the attention of these animals and may prompt them to attack. Swim or reach the shore as quickly, quietly and calmly as possible, preferably staying above the surface of the water to avoid splashing.
Step 4. If you see a crocodile on the ground, stay calm and slowly move away from the area
Do not try to approach the animal, attack it or move it. If you see one of these animals in a populated area, such as a garden or parking lot, first reach a safe distance from the animal, then call the local authorities to have it captured.
Step 5. If a crocodile bats its jaws or charges you to the ground, RUN
If you accidentally find an alligator or crocodile in front of you, or if one of these animals moves towards you, run away as fast as you can. As fast as they are in the water, the maximum speed of the crocodiles on land is only 17 km / h, a speed that almost all people can overcome for a short distance.
- Make sure you run "away" from the water to avoid running into other crocodiles.
- Forget the popular rumor about running zigzags to escape; the quickest way to escape from an alligator or crocodile is in a straight line.
Part 3 of 3: Surviving an Attack
Step 1. Do your best to stay calm and react strategically
Even if the advice to remain calm during an animal attack seems absurd to you, it may be your only chance of survival.
- If the crocodile just bites you and lets you go, it is likely defensive aggression. Don't wait, don't try to attack the animal and run away as fast as possible.
- However, if the animal holds you back, it will likely try to drag you into the water. In this case, you will have to attack him until he lets you go.
Step 2. Attach the animal's eyes
A crocodile's eyes are the most vulnerable part, and many survivors of a crocodile attack have testified that targeting the animal's eyes was the winning strategy. Try to stick your fingers, kick or hit the animal's eyes with your hands or whatever you have at hand. Don't give up until you are free, because you will literally fight for your life.
Step 3. Attach the animal's head
If you continually hit the animal's head, it will be more likely to let go. Passers-by who witness a crocodile attack can help by hitting the animal with sticks, poles, oars, etc. and even with kicks and punches, especially in the head.
Step 4. Attach the palatal valve, behind the animal's tongue
Crocodiles have a strip of fabric behind their tongues that covers their throats when they dive into the water. This strip prevents water from entering the animal's throat and drowning when its mouth is open. If the animal has dragged you underwater, taking this valve may be your only chance. If you take this valve, the water will enter the animal's throat, which will be forced to let you go.
Even hard blows on this valve can cause the animal to leave you
Step 5. Seek medical attention right away
Crocodile attacks not only cause tissue damage and bleeding, they can also lead to infections. These animals have a lot of bacteria in their mouths and even a small bite from a small alligator or caiman can lead to an infection if left untreated in a short time.
