Five ways not to get eaten by a crocodile
We investigate the legend of Gustave, Africa's man-eating crocodile in our latest issue. In the unlikely event of a croc encounter, check our list of survival tips
1 Keep your distance
The best way to avoid becoming crocodile lunch is to avoid them altogether. This is not difficult in Britain: you are unlikely to meet one on the way back from Tesco’s. But if you are in croc country stay at least five metres away. Even on land they can produce a sudden burst of speed to catch prey unawares. They have three ways of getting about: the belly crawl, the high walk, and the gallop. To see how fast they can go check out: www.flmnh.ufl.edu/cnhc/images/cj-gallop1.mpg
2 Keep out of the water
This is the croc’s domain. They are strong swimmers and few animals can outpace them. The tail provides the propulsion: it has a relatively large surface area to push against the water. Some species also use the tail to leap into the air – the Cuban crocodile has been seen to grab animals from tree branches overhanging the river.
3 Never lower your guard
Dr Alison Leslie has been studying crocodiles for years. 'You get to know them – but if you make one wrong move in a particular situation they will seize on it because that’s what they are designed to do.'
4 Give them a flavour of something different
It’s been said that Gustave developed a preference for human flesh. There’s no proof of this, but top croc expert Dr Adam Britton says: 'Ask any crocodile farmer whether he can wean his crocs off eating chicken on to eating pork – he will tell you it’s often quite difficult to do. It’s not that they develop a taste for the meat. It seems they become very used to eating a particular food.'
5 Fight back
If you are cornered by a croc you still have a chance. 'I was in waist deep in the water and the female was swimming towards me,' recalled Dr Britton. 'The only thing I had was a wooden oar. Luckily I knew how to use it. I cracked the croc hard on the head with it. When they get within range it’s very effective.' Aim for their eyes or nostrils, or if your arm is stuck in its mouth, pull open the palatal valve. This is a flap of skin at the back of the throat which stops the croc swallowing water.
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