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wikiHow to Survive an Encounter with a Crocodile or Alligator

Three Parts:Avoiding an AttackReacting to a Crocodilian EncounterSurviving an AttackCommunity Q&A


Part 1
Avoiding an Attack

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    • Take warning signs about the presence of crocodiles seriously.
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    Know when crocs are at their most dangerous. Crocodilians can attack at any time, but are most active and most dangerous at dusk and at night.[6] Try to be well away from the water before nightfall, but still remember to stay alert during the day.
    • If you are on or near infested water after dark, use a flashlight or headlamp to check the area frequently for eye-shine.
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Part 2
Reacting to a Crocodilian Encounter

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Part 3
Surviving an Attack

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Community Q&A

Add New Question
  • Do alligators live in Southwest Florida?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Yes, they do. American alligators can be found in Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Texas.
  • If one of my friends is getting attacked in the water is there anything I can do?
    wikiHow Contributor
    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.
  • Are alligators and crocodiles faster than humans?
    wikiHow Contributor
    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.
  • Why do crocodiles attack?
    wikiHow Contributor
    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.
  • What do I do when a crocodile attacks my head?
    wikiHow Contributor
    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.
  • What can I do if it has both of my arms or legs and starts thrusting me or dragging me?
    wikiHow Contributor
    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!
  • What if the crocodile/alligator starts to perform the so-called death roll?
    wikiHow Contributor
    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.
  • Can I kill an alligator without stabbing it in the head or eye?
    wikiHow Contributor
    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.
  • Can the alligator's babies attack me?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Yes, it is possible for young alligators to attack.
  • How do I survive an encounter if I am weak?
    wikiHow Contributor
    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.
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Featured Article

Categories: Featured Articles | Reptiles | Animal and Insect Safety

In other languages:

Español: sobrevivir en encuentro con cocodrilo o caimán, Italiano: Sopravvivere all'Incontro con un Coccodrillo o Alligatore, Português: Sobreviver a um Encontro com um Crocodilo ou Jacaré, Русский: выжить при встрече с крокодилом или аллигатором, Deutsch: Die Begegnung mit einem Krokodil oder Alligator überleben, Français: survivre à une rencontre avec un crocodile ou un alligator, Bahasa Indonesia: Menyelamatkan Diri dari Berbagai Jenis Buaya

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