Ask a Croc Expert
Read Dr. Britton's responses on the following croc topics:
Crocodile Predators
Crocodile Speed
Croc/Human Interaction
Crocodile Size
Crocodile Hunting
Crocodile Defense
Alligators vs. Crocodiles
Crocodile Mothering
Crocodile Infections
Crocodile Bites
Crocs in Water
Croc Body Heat
The Crocodile Heart
Q: On Croc BitesHave you been bitten by a croc before? What should you do if you've been bitten by a croc?
Jim Barker
A: The best way to avoid being bitten by crocodiles or alligators is to exercise common sense around them, don't tease or harass them, and keep a respectable distance from them. However, if the unthinkable does happen and you are bitten, what should you do? The first rule is not to panic. If the crocodile issues a warning bite, it will typically snap and then let go immediately — this is what most crocodile bites are like. The bite itself feels like a hammer blow if the crocodile is relatively large, and the severity of the wound is normally due to the crushing force delivered. Most people will naturally retreat after receiving such a bite, and the wound needs immediate hospital attention to ensure it doesn't become infected. Crocodiles have some pretty nasty bacteria living in their mouth, and a bite will drive these bacteria deep into your flesh.
Sometimes the crocodile will not let go when it bites — this may be a defensive move, or it may be a feeding response. Again, it's very important not to panic. Attempting to pull yourself free is a very bad idea, as the crocodile will simply pull in the opposite direction and often decide to start rolling. Once a crocodile rolls with your arm, leg or whatever in its mouth, you can usually say goodbye to that body part. Those bitten by crocodiles have escaped from their deadly embrace by hitting the head, nostrils and sensitive ears, and poking their eyes. Other people may be on hand to deliver a whack to the nose using a pole, and many people have been rescued from more serious injury in this manner. That's why it's essential that people working with larger crocodiles do so as a team.
Have I been bitten myself? Yes, many times! By little baby hatchlings! Hatching a baby croc out of an egg is awe-inspiring, but sometimes the little rascals will try and bite before they even push their noses out far enough to see you! With tiny, needle-sharp teeth, even a baby croc can draw blood. Only once have I been bitten by a larger croc — an adult freshwater crocodile about 7 feet long. The croc was caught in a net, and I was trying to free it. Feeling along the net in muddy water, I was trying to locate the tail first because I assumed I knew where the head was. I got the wrong end, and put my hand into its mouth! SNAP! Fortunately, it let go straight away and didn't cause too much damage, but it certainly was painful. I have a scar to remind me not to make assumptions!
