Natural History: A
large and powerful predator that is also a confirmed human-eater. Attacks
on humans are most likely to occur in developing countries and in parts of
Australia where tourists disregard crocodile warning signs. An attacking
crocodile can easily leap upwards almost clearing the entire body from the
water, and on land can outrun humans for several dozen meters.
The name "saltie" comes from the
habitat preference of this species for marine or brackish water, and they
often prowl reefs in search of food. They have been observed swimming many
scores of miles from land and are thus able to colonize such a great
geographical range, spreading from India and Sri Lanka to the Solomon
Islands and eastern Australia.
The natural diet consists largely of fishes and
water birds, but the crocodiles will consume any prey they can overpower.
At their size and weight, that leaves relatively few species immune to a
possible crocodile attack.
Well known Steve Irwin, "The
Crocodile Hunter," and one of his charges at Australia
Zoo. Though a consummate showman, Steve also readily acknowledges that
crocs
are very predictable in habits and responses to certain stimuli.
