The Nile crocodile is one of the most feared predators in all of deadly Africa. This beast can swim silently and stay out of view to set up the perfect ambush. Sharp teeth and powerful jaws lock onto prey and don't let go. The Nile croc is thought to kill more people in Africa than any other predator.
Sink or Swim: With eyes and nostrils that stick up above the rest of its body, the Nile croc can breathe and peek out of the water, while most of its body is submerged, so prey can't see it in the water.
Power Bite: Nile crocodiles bite with tremendous force. The teeth in these predators' upper and lower jaws lock together in prey's flesh, giving the croc a firm hold from which victims rarely shake loose.
Riverbank Buffet[]
These crocs warm up on river banks by basking in the sun.
Crocodiles are stealthy hunters. These huge reptiles swim silently toward the shores of rivers and lakes where large mammals bend down to take a drink. The crocs shoot out of the water and clamp their jaws around victims, or they can use their tails like whips to knock prey down. The crocs finish prey off by pulling them underwater and spinning rapidly in what's called a "death roll" to drown victims and rip them to pieces.
Man Eater: The Nile crocodile has no fear of humans because it knows it can easily overpower them. These predators attack people just as readily as other prey, and may kill as many as 100 people every year.
Dental Work: These reptiles often sit with their mouths wide open to cool down on hot days. While crocs are cooling, they let birds pick meat from between their teeth-and they don't even eat the birds!
A Lot of Rot[]
- As a wildebeest takes a drink at a familiar watering hole, a Nile crocodile submerges all but its eyes and nostrils, and swims silently toward the shore. In the blink of an eye, the croc shoots out of the water and grabs its victim by the neck.
- The croc immediately pulls the wildebeest into the lake and holds it underwater until it drowns. The crocodile likes its meat nice and tender, so it stuffs the victim beneath a log and waits for the body to begin to decompose.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- The Nile crocodile is possibly mentioned on several other cards:
- It is potentially the crocodile referenced on the Hippopotamus knowledge card, as they are the most prolific crocodile in Africa known to target humans frequently[1].
- It is similarly referenced (as 'crocodile', but due to their habitat it is the species referred to) on Anubis's knowledge card, for the head of the demon Ammit.
- The Nile crocodile is featured on several Monster Mania cards:
- It is first featured in Backyard Jungle on Monster Mania 32.
- It is then featured in Savage Serengeti on Monster Mania 92.