Crocodiles are patient. They wait for their potential prey in the water or aquatic thickets. When they sense the right moment, they grab their prey and drag it underwater. They mainly feed on water birds, fish and mammals. They will also not refuse to eat carrion. Larger individuals make successful attacks on antelope, lions and even humans. ¹⁾

In the eyes of humans, crocodiles are among some of the most dangerous animals in the world. However, in an encounter with a hippopotamus, they are almost without a chance. When this herbivorous giant appears near a crocodile, the predator freezes motionless. ²⁾

Measuring 20.24 feet and weighing 2370 pounds, Lolong was the largest measured crocodile in history. He died in captivity on February 10, 2013, from pneumonia and cardiac arrest, which was caused by a fungal infection and stress. ³⁾

The smallest adults do not exceed four feet in body length. These include caimans. The largest representatives of this species are the roseate crocodiles, which reach up to 22 feet in length. ⁴⁾

Crocodiles are very good swimmers. The fittest individuals can swim up to a speed of 20 mph and are able to hold their breath underwater for about an hour. On land, they are not so fast. The fastest observed individual — an Australian crocodile — accelerated to 11 mph. ⁵⁾

There are 23 different species of crocodiles. ⁶⁾

The smallest species is called the dwarf crocodile. ⁷⁾

Crocodiles tear. Because when they eat, they swallow too much air, which comes in contact with their tear-producing glands, and this forces the tears to flow. But they don't actually cry. The term “crocodile tears” refers to a false, insincere display of emotion, such as false tears of grief. ⁸⁾

Crocodiles are fast over short distances. ⁹⁾

Crocodiles can survive for long periods without food. ¹⁰⁾

Crocodiles coexisted with dinosaurs. Crocodiles have existed for at least 240 million years. ¹¹⁾

How long a crocodile lives depends on its species. Some live up to about 30 years, while others live up to 75 years. ¹²⁾

Crocodiles lay 10 to 60 eggs at a time. They hatch on their eggs for 55 to 110 days. ¹³⁾

Crocodiles release heat through their mouths, not through their sweat glands. ¹⁴⁾

Crocodiles have the strongest bite of any animal in the world. ¹⁵⁾

Despite being classified as reptiles, crocodiles are more closely related to dinosaurs and birds than to most animals classified as reptiles. ¹⁶⁾