Crocodiles are large-sized semiaquatic reptiles occupying the tropics in Asia, the Americas, Australia, and Africa. They feed on mammals, fish, birds, reptiles and even invertebrates. These reptiles can live up to 120 years and have powerful jaws that allow them to consume prey up to three times their own size.
Can You Outrun A Crocodile?
No one knows for sure whether or not you can outrun a crocodile. Theoretically, it should be possible because crocodiles are not very fast runners. However, in the real world, things are never that simple. Crocodiles are incredibly quick when they want to be and can reach speeds of up to 18 miles per hour. They can also jump up to six feet into the air, making them difficult to outrun even if they are slow on land. If you encounter a crocodile in the wild, it is best to try to stay calm and slowly back away. Do not turn your back on the animal and do not run – this will only make it more likely that you will be attacked.
What special running technique do crocodiles use?
Crocodiles use three different modes of locomotion on land: high walk, belly crawl, and gallop.
HIGH WALK
The high walk is the most common type of gait observed in crocodiles. In this locomotion, their bellies are not touching the ground. They are elevated. This allows them to cover more ground quickly and efficiently. The high walk is also their most efficient way of moving through water. Crocodiles can reach speeds of up to 12 miles per hour when they are walking in this manner.
BELLY CRAWL
The belly crawl is the second type of movement on land for crocodiles. This movement is used when they are sliding from an elevated land down to the water. They use their front legs and arms to help them move faster. They can reach speeds of up to 10 mph (16 kph).
GALLOP
In a gallop, they jump from the back limbs, land on the front limbs, and push off with their back legs to go again. It’s an impressive sight to see and not one that people get to see often. Crocodiles are capable of this type of locomotion, but it’s something that people are often curious about.
HOW FAST CAN CROCODILE RUN
Large crocodiles can run between (24-35 km h). These fast crocodiles include Nile, saltwater crocs. Nile crocodiles have been known to reach speeds of up to (24-35 km h), while saltwater crocs can reach speeds of up to (40 km h). This makes them both one of the fastest reptiles in the world, and also one of the most dangerous.
HOW FAST CAN A CROCODILE SWIM
Crocodiles are able to swim at speeds of up to 15 to 18 miles per hour, which is about three times faster than the fastest human swimmer in the world. This makes them very difficult for humans to outrun, even in open water. Crocodiles are also great swimmers and can stay underwater for up to an hour.
CAN YOU OUTRUN A CROCODILE ON LAND?
Looking at the speed of crocodile and comparing it with that of an average human which ranges between 16-24km/h, probably you would be thinking that human has no chance of escaping a crocodile chase.
Crocs can only run a few body lengths on ground. They just don’t hunt or move around like this.
If you conduct a race between a crocodile and a human on land, human would easily outrun a crocodile. However, humans have more agility on land.
DO CROCODILE ATTACK HUMAN ON LAND?
Knowing that human can outpace crocodile in a conscious run.
Most attacks of crocodiles on humans are in the water. 8.5 percent of all crocodile attacks on humans happen on land. These attacks include people who are camping near a crocodile’s nesting area and those who are simply walking nearby.
However crocodiles are known to mount surprise attacks on their prey
HOW TO SURVIVE A CROCODILE ENCOUNTER
Crocodiles are dangerous animals that should be avoided by every possible means. They can move quickly and have been known to attack people, so the best approach is to stay away at a safe distance. In case of an accidental encounter, the only thing to do is to back off and run to safety.
CONCLUSION
While crocodiles are fast on land and in water, humans are still stand a chance to outrun them. However, this requires more than just an average human; it takes someone who is physically fit and has the endurance to keep running. So, if you’re ever faced with an attacking crocodile, don’t forget that you still have a chance to outrun it but you would better be prepared to run for your life!
