James RickardBeware of 'Crocs and Gators!
September 21st 2010 15:00
Regular readers are going to know that I'm far from a "Wild Kingdom" sort of guy but, I have an appetite for the outdoors. With that appetite comes a healthy respect for animals with the ability to devour victims despite the fact I have little to fear from them.
Although I don't worry about running into them, two nasty creatures that quickly come to mind are crocodiles and alligators.
Many people confuse the two and others never bother to learn the differences.
The easiest way to tell a 'croc from a gator is that a crocodile has a very long, narrow snout, while the alligator's snout is wider and U-shaped. This wide snout gives the alligator more crushing power to eat prey like turtles that make up a large part of its diet. The narrow snout of the crocodile, while still very powerful, is not really suited for something like a turtle but is very versatile for when it comes to fish or other sea prey.
Another difference you can quickly notice is that crocodiles usually have a lighter olive brown coloration, while alligators appear blackish. Alligators prefer freshwater while crocodiles like brackish water often found in wetlands.
Although I don't worry about running into them, two nasty creatures that quickly come to mind are crocodiles and alligators.
Many people confuse the two and others never bother to learn the differences.
A family of crocodiles.
American Alligators.
Another difference you can quickly notice is that crocodiles usually have a lighter olive brown coloration, while alligators appear blackish. Alligators prefer freshwater while crocodiles like brackish water often found in wetlands.
None the less, if you're unlucky enough to be eye-ball to eye-ball with one of these reptiles, get the heck out of there because either one can bite with enough force to do so serious damage! On land, you would have little to fear unless one makes a quick lunge at you. Still, it should be remembered that a lunge lacks the agility of a big cat such as a lion or tiger. For the most part, either animal is much more agile in the water. Further, each has the ability to float in the water with only its eyes and snout exposed to resemble, as some say, a floating log, before delivering a nasty bite in an ambush attack which can take place versus other animals or even people!
Crocodiles have a wide distribution being found in the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Alligators, however, are usually found in only the Southeastern U.S. and the Yangtze River of China.
Although either animal is harvested for its hide, you hardly "fish" for them. While various methods have been devised for harvesting the reptiles, the old "shoot 'em with a rifle" remains a favorite.
Remember to take the hooks outta yer pocket before ya sit down!
| 119 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
