FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How fast can a crocodile run?
This is another popular question, and true to form it generates enough popular myth and misconceptions to fill the stomach of a large Deinosuchus. Running crocodiles evoke images of slavering reptiles chasing people down for lunch, and there are some wild figures that are often quoted – speeds over 40 mph are regularly quoted by some books, television documentaries and enthusiastic tour-guides. Don’t be misled! Crocodiles have unique ways of getting around, but let’s be realistic and look at this properly. The truth is, if you see a crocodile running towards you then it’s easy enough to evade. It’s when you don’t see it coming that you’re in danger! A crocodile’s greatest strength is not its endurance and stamina on land, but it’s ability to launch a surprise attack when you’re least expecting it. In other words, crocodiles cannot afford to give their prey the chance to flee – fleeing prey (on land at least) is normally dinner lost. Never under-estimate the attacking speed of crocodile
