Sharks – Nature Noon

Why Are Sharks and Whales Not in Rivers Anymore?

Sharks and Whales Not in Rivers: Why?

Here’s why sharks and whales are not in rivers anymore: Some sharks and smaller whale species can be found in rivers, but the majority avoid them. Due to pollution, aquatic constructions, boats, and fishing nets, whales and sharks try to stay away from coastal waters. Rivers can only be accessed from coastal waters. So if you want to learn all about sharks and whales and their connection to rivers, then this article is for you. Let’s jump right in! Why Are Sharks and Whales Not in Rivers Anymore? The natural flow of rivers has been compromised by humans in many ways, often making them uninhabitable for animals that need clear water and lots of food. Although some sharks and smaller whale species can be found in rivers, the majority avoid them. Large quantities of food are only available in oceans and seas, and sharks and whales need them to survive. Since they had no reason to go into freshwater over the centuries, their bodies adapted to the natural properties of saltwater only. Not only do the seas contain enough food for these predators, but the water also has properties that help them with infected wounds after fights with other predators. Whales and sharks try to stay away from the coastal sea and ocean waters due to pollution, aquatic constructions, boats, and fishing nets. Coastal waters are also the only places where they can get access to rivers. Why Are the Coastal Waters a Bad Environment for Sharks and Whales? A lot of physical pollution (garbage) and chemical pollution can be found in coastal freshwater and saltwater environments. The population of marine birds and fish are affected by this. They either swallow the contaminants or get caught in them. Animals are more likely to come across private and commercial boats in coastal waters. Animals are naturally frightened of human activities and tend to remain at safe distance. Different types of structures around coastal environments can disrupt the normal functioning of sharks and whale pods. Dams and bridges cut off essential food supplies, so marine animals tend to stay in open waters where there is more food. Many times, sharks and dolphins get caught up in fishing nets by accident. The animals are unaware of them and, once trapped, send signals to others of their kind to stay away. What Whales Can Live in Freshwater? The first type of whale that pops up in our minds when we mention these animals is probably the enormous blue whale. Along with 13 other large whale species, they form a group known as “Baleen whales.” Baleen whales swim slowly and open their mouths to randomly get food and water inside. Afterward, they push the water out through baleen plates where the food gets trapped (filtered) and swallowed. All Baleen species are unable to live in freshwater due to their size and the type of nutrition they need. A group of whales smaller in size are the toothed whales, which count almost 70 different species. Few of them can be found in freshwater. The biggest representative is the sperm whale, which is almost the size of the baleen species. While the feeding method of baleen whales is limited, the possibilities for toothed whales are vast. These possibilities mean that they can find food in many different habitats, including freshwater. Some toothed whale species can be found in lakes and rivers. At some point, though these environments are inadequate for them, they developed a few adaptations that made river trips possible. Few toothed whales have whiskers used to detect prey in muddy and murky rivers and lakes; also, they produce low-concentrated urine to keep the internal salinity stable. Toothed whales with the ability to inhabit freshwater can only be found in Asia and South America. These species include: South Asian river dolphin Indus river dolphin Irrawaddy dolphin Chinese river dolphin Amazon river dolphin Bolivian river dolphin Araguaian river dolphin Asian Freshwater Whales The one freshwater whale species no one is sure still exists is the Chinese river dolphin. In 1997, the species had 13 individuals, and the last sighting of such an animal was back in 2018. The endemic dolphin of the Yangtze River could be extinct as a result of electrofishing, habitat degradation, dam construction, and other human activity. On the south of the Asian continent, the Indus and south Asian river dolphins all have one thing in common – eyes the size of a pinhead, which make it possible for them to see in their muddy environment. South American Freshwater Whales All three species of South American freshwater whales (Amazon, Bolivian, and Araguaian) have long-toothed rostrums and are nearly blind. They inhabit several rivers in South America and get around using echolocation only. The Amazon River dolphin is the most abundant of the dolphins and shares its habitat (Amazon and Orinoco Rivers) with the tucuxi. The tucuxi are classified as oceanic dolphins that occasionally go into freshwater. Why Can’t Large Whales Live in Freshwater? First of all, the freshwater environment is too shallow for whales to live in. There is very little they can eat in that environment. Freshwater can also be easily polluted and become hazardous for whales. Whales share the ocean with marine animals that can live in freshwater, but they need different circumstances to survive. Over the years, whales and their prey biologically adapted to the properties of saltwater only. If a whale travels into a freshwater environment that’s naturally shallow, it risks getting stuck. Similar to when a whale gets trapped on a beach after the tide goes out, this is called “beaching.” Has Anyone Seen a Baleen Whale in a River? In 2020, three humpback whales, which belong to the group of baleen whales, have been spotted in the East Alligator River. The river belongs to the Kakadu National Park (Australia), and contrary to its name, it’s inhabited by crocodiles and not alligators. This was the first time a humpback whale was seen in a river. Before that, they …

Animals

Orca Killer Whale vs. Great White Shark: Who Wins in a Fight?

Here’s whether an orca killer whale or a great white shark wins in a fight: The great white shark is no match for an orca, also known as the killer whale. Orcas are bigger, braver, and more strategic. A healthy orca always wins against a great white. Mutilated great white shark carcasses that wash up on beaches testify to the fact that orcas often prey upon them. If you want to learn all about whether an orca killer whale or a great white shark wins in a fight, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading! Who Wins in a Fight Between a Orca Killer Whale and a Great White Shark? This is a battle of apex predators, but the outcome is actually rather lopsided. Most people think of the great white shark as the ocean’s top predator. We tend to think of the great white as the most voracious hunter in temperate-ocean ecosystems, with a key role in controlling environmental dynamics. In truth, the great white shark is no match for an orca, more commonly called the “killer whale.” Orcas are bigger, braver, and more strategic. In a fight, a healthy orca always wins against the great white. Mutilated great white shark carcasses that wash up on beaches testify to the fact that orcas often prey upon them. The great white is not top of the food chain. What Happens When Orcas and Great Whites Meet in Nature? To keep track of shark movements, a team of marine ecologists and scientists tagged 17 of the animals in California in 2009. They recorded months of great whites hunting elephant seals. The sharks’ predatory habits stopped when orcas arrived. The sharks fled the scene just a few hours later. The sharks didn’t return to the hunting area until months later. They continued to flee any time that orcas appeared. An advantage for great whites is that they can swim at speeds of 25 miles per hour (40 kilometers per hour) for longer periods than the orcas can maintain their speed. Orcas can reach up to 28 miles per hour (45 kilometers per hour), but only for short bursts. Their usual cruising speed is eight miles per hour (13 kilometers per hour). The sharks use this advantage to get as far from the orcas as possible. Have There Been Fights Between Orca Killer Whales and Great White Sharks? There have been reports of mutilated great whites washing up on shore with their livers missing as a result of orca killer whale attacks. The case that triggered the most curiosity was a 2017 incident when the bodies of five sharks were discovered on the beaches of Western Cape Province in South Africa. The size of the sharks varied from 9 to 16 feet (2.7 to 4.9 meters) long. There were large puncture marks on each shark, near their pectoral fins (the fins located next to the gills on each side). They were all missing their livers, so the killers must have known exactly what they were going for. The scientists working on the case determined that only one predator is capable of mutilating great white sharks in such a manner. It would seem orca killer whales have developed a method for killing great whites without getting harmed. The San Francisco Incident In 1997, an orca was seen attacking a great white just off the San Francisco coast. The attack started with a fast and forceful blow that stunned the shark. The whale used the opportunity to flip the shark over and hold it in such a position. The great white wasn’t able to move because it suffered from a condition called “tonic immobility.” If they’re held upside-down in water, they become paralyzed and can’t move or breathe. What the orca did was essentially suffocating the shark before consuming it. That was one, prominent case of a killer whale attacking a great white, but such hunts occur regularly in the oceanic depths. Orca hunting tactics and intelligence empower them to launch coordinated attacks in groups, like a pack of wolves. Why Do Killer Whales Attack Sharks? Orcas attack great white sharks for the same reason they usually attack any prey—for food. Orcas are a scale higher on the food chain. Any sea animal that has a body rich with fat is potential prey for killer whales. Most of a great white shark’s body is made of stuff that is unappealing to the orca as a meal, but certain parts are a delight. When the whales hunt great hunts, they make surgical bites on their bodies. Their favorite parts are the livers, stomachs, and testes. Considering that the liver of sharks contains high quantities of oils and fats, it’s little surprise that the orcas seek it out hungrily. White sharks have a very large liver compared to other species, and the whale sees it as a good source of a quick caloric snack. How fascinating is it that orcas have learned all of this and attack sharks specifically and solely for their livers? Orca Whales and Sharks in the Past and Now There have been many encounters between the two species. It’s even possible that the great white used to be an integral part of orca’s diet in the ancient past. In recent years, the attacks have become more and more frequent. The increasing frequency of orcas preying on great whites probably results from newly implemented fishing restrictions positively affecting the shark population. Also, the earth’s changing climate has expanded the possible living areas of sharks, so the animals are moving to new environments. Orcas and great whites are simply in each other’s faces more often than they were before. At the same time, killer whales are losing some of their common food sources and are looking for new alternative sources, including the great white shark. What’s the Great White Shark Known For? The great white shark, though seeming like the scariest and most aggressive predator in the sea, is actually most often a …

Animals

Sharks When the Titanic Sank: Were There?

Here’s whether there were sharks when the Titanic sank: Sharks may have been in the ocean when the Titanic sank, but none of the survivors reported seeing them. Sharks are very sensitive to sounds and vibrations. Sometimes they move closer to investigate, sometimes they flee. If you want to learn all about the appearance of sharks when the Titanic sank, then you’re in the right place. Let’s get started! Were There Sharks When the Titanic Sank? Theoretically, there could have been sharks in the ocean when the Titanic sank, but none of the survivors reported seeing them. Sharks are very sensitive to sounds and vibrations. They sometimes move closer to investigate and other times turn to flee. The ruckus produced by the ship crashing into the iceberg would have been sensed by the majority of marine life for miles away. One animal that’s unafraid to inspect anything is the orca, also known as the “killer whale.” They live in all oceans and most water temperatures. There isn’t any evidence that Orca Whales were at the disaster site. If there were orcas present, then sharks wouldn’t have been there because sharks won’t go near orcas, which are their predators. Were There Shark-Related Incidents When the Titanic Sank? There were no known shark attacks on Titanic survivors. None of the survivors reported shark-related incidents. However, we have to consider the fact that the people responsible for the lifeboats kept the survivors away from the people in the water. If the lifeboat personnel were far away, they could have missed seeing a shark attack. Only the people in the water could have been shark victims. A shark won’t attack a boat. It might, at most, give it a bump to test it. The people rescued from the water were hypothermic. It’s possible that while being in the water in nearly comatose states, they didn’t notice other people being dragged under. Even if they saw such horrors, they might not have remembered them later because of their trauma. None of the corpses pulled from the water showed any signs of shark bites on them. However, most of the corpses were never found. Low Impact Attacks If any attacks occurred, they were low-impact attacks by Greenland sharks. These sharks have black coloration and move very slowly, so it would be hard to notice them even though they are as big as great white sharks. Low-impact attacks mean that the shark will get close to a target and bump it. If there is no response (the target is dead or unconscious), the shark will drag the body under. But if the target kicks back, the shark will swim away. Were There Any Shark-Attack Survivors From the Titanic? No survivors of the Titanic claimed to be attacked by a shark. There is no evidence of sharks attacking people in the water after the ship sank. Sharks Don’t Like Human Flesh If a shark bites a human, it’s only to test whether the prey suits its taste. Sharks usually discontinue their attacks on humans because they didn’t like the way humans taste. The only shark species that likes human flesh is the bull shark. It lives in areas of the Atlantic Ocean stretching from Massachusetts to southern Brazil. Scavenging Corpses The only likely scenario where sharks may have mutilated victims of the Titanic is one in which they scavenged corpses from the seabed. The Titanic sank in Greenland shark habitat, and Greenland sharks are a completely opportunistic shark species. Such a plentitude of dead bodies in the water would draw sharks from miles away. The longest living animal on the planet, Greenland sharks can reach 400 years of age. If the scavenging scenario is true, there are probably still living Greenland sharks that fed on Titanic victims stranded in the Atlantic Ocean. Cases of Shark Attacks After a Shipwreck The most famous case of shark attacks following a shipwreck is the 1945 Indianapolis incident. The Indianapolis was a United States naval ship sunk by the Japanese during World War II. After being hit by two submarine torpedoes, the Indianapolis sunk in the Pacific Ocean in just 12 minutes. Of the 1196 people on board, only 900 made it alive into the water. What they thought was their lucky day was just the beginning of the worst shark nightmare in history. As time passed, the survivors formed groups and held onto objects and bobbing corpses to stay afloat. The explosion and the blood in the water drew many shark species, among which was the aggressive species known as the oceanic whitetip shark. The sharks were mainly focused on the floating dead, but there were also survivors with open wounds that attracted more of the predators. When the sailors noticed someone was injured or bleeding, they tried to quarantine themselves and swim away. Survivors pushed the dead away as a form of sacrifice. One group of sailors made the mistake of opening a can of Spam. The strong scent of meat drew the predators nearer, so the sailors threw the Spam away to avoid being swarmed. The sharks fed on the dead for days while the survivors watched helplessly. Most of the people were paralyzed by fear that went on for days because there wasn’t any sign of a rescue. Many people died out of thirst or sat poisoning when they succumbed to thirst and drank seawater. After 4 days, only 317 survivors were left to be rescued. Between 50 and 150 people died as a result of shark attacks. There’s no way to know the exact number of victims, but the Indianapolis remains one of the most horrific shark-related incidents in history. Where Was the Titanic Going? The Titanic was on its maiden voyage from Southampton (England) to New York City (USA). The ship set sail on April 10, 1912, and first arrived at Cherbourg docks in France. The last European stop was Queenstown, Ireland. On the afternoon of April 11, the ship headed toward the new continent. …

Animals

Shark vs. Crocodile: Who Wins in a Fight?

Here’s whether a shark or a crocodile wins in a fight: A great white shark may take more than one hit and a lot of biting to beat a crocodile, but eventually, the great white shark will win. Sharks species smaller than a great white easily lose to crocodiles. The shark is always the prey when crocodiles and small sharks fight in shallow waters. If you want to learn all about who wins in a fight between a shark and a crocodile, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading! Who Wins in a Fight Between a Shark and a Crocodile? The only place where the great white shark and the saltwater crocodile can meet is the open water. This is the natural habitat of the great white shark and gives them a maneuvering advantage over the slower saltwater Croc. It would take multiple hits and a lot of biting to beat the crocodile, but eventually, the shark would probably win. If it’s any other species of sharks smaller than the great white, the crocodile would easily take the win home. Fights between crocodiles and small sharks sometimes happen in shallow waters, and in this case, the shark is always the prey. It’s a bit different with great whites since they are rare and can only be found in deep waters. Sharks can swim with 25 mph (40 km/h) speed in long bursts, while crocodiles can get to 18 mph (29 km/h) but get easily tired. That’s where the main advantage for the great white shark over the saltwater crocodile lies. Who Has a Stronger Bite: A Shark or a Crocodile? The great white shark does have a huge jaw, but as a result of its diet, it doesn’t have the strongest bite amongst all shark species. It’s a lot easier to bite through a seal (great white prey) than through the shells of a turtle (tiger shark prey). The world’s most ferocious jaws, belonging to the saltwater crocodile, can snap with a force of 4000 lbs (2 tons). The White Shark has a bite force of only 2200 lbs (1.1 tons). It’s not a joke when this shark bites you but compared to the crocodile, they seem toothless. The jaw size of the shark is wide enough to bite any part of a crocodile, but it lacks the force and proper teeth to do serious damage. Although a crocodile can bite-crush almost anything, his mouth is simply not big enough for a great white shark. Different Types of Teeth Since they feed on different types of animals, it’s no surprise that sharks and crocodiles have different teeth shapes. Crocs hunt prey that is larger and with stronger skin and bones, so they need teeth rigid enough to devour their victims. White sharks don’t need to crunch the bones of the things they hunt and go for biting rather than squeezing with huge pressure. A shark’s teeth look like a saw, and they are a few rows of spare ones behind each front tooth. It’s not rare for sharks to lose and replace teeth during a struggle. Who Will Participate in a Shark vs. Crocodile Fight? The family Crocodylidae or True Crocodiles numbers 14 animal species. As part of the order Crocodilia, the family has caimans, alligators, and caimans as their closest cousins. The largest of them all is the one who is going to be picked for the Shark vs. Crocodile fight. The saltwater crocodile is the largest living reptile, and this ancient being is also the one causing most human deaths compared to others of its family. There are more than 1000 shark and ray species, and new ones are discovered each year. If we want to pick the contender for this epic fight we will probably go with the biggest shark of them all, correct? Well, not quite! The whale shark is the biggest fish in the world but doesn’t participate in fights. Its megamouth serves as a filter feeder to swallow anything coming its way (possibly a crocodile even). The real shark fighter and the one with the most recorded attacks on humans is the great white shark. It’s the 6th largest shark species, and the only one coming near its ferocity, strength, and size is the tiger shark (4th largest). Characteristics of the Great White Shark Legendary for being one of the fiercest predators, the great white shark caused admiration and fear in people for many years. This cartilaginous fish is probably causing more harm in people’s imagination than in real life. While humans fear the great white shark expressly and consider it a man-eating predator, this powerful and efficient hunter never had a preference for people. Attacks happen when the shark is confused or just wants to taste the moving object. When a great white shark wants to attack, the opening of its mouth can be 3 to 4 ft (1-1.2 m) wide. The top of the great white shark is darker in blue of gray variations, while the lower area of the body is white. Such discoloration is a hunting advantage because prey doesn’t notice the shark’s figure, and to them, it looks like the bottom of the ocean. White Shark Body Strength A great white shark has a fusiform and robust body. That means it’s shaped like a spindle and big and strong at the same time. Adult sharks can be 13-22 ft (4-6.7 m) long with an average length of 19 ft (5.8 m). Their weight can be somewhere between 6600 and 7500 lbs (3000-3400 kg). The adult male great white sharks are approximately 6.5 ft (2 m) smaller than their representative females. Strong pectoral fins and a triangle-shaped back fin are placed behind its narrow and pointed snout. There is a smaller fin near the tail which ends with long lower and upper lobes. Whiteys have delicate skin that cannot withstand huge penetrating forces, which puts them in an inferior position compared to crocodiles. Characteristics of the saltwater …

Animals

Shark vs. Lion: Who Is More Dangerous?

Here’s whether a shark or a lion is more dangerous: Lions are far more dangerous to humans than sharks. Thousands of people have been killed by lions in the past decade. A shark attack might happen occasionally, but they are not always lethal. After one bite, a shark will usually swim away after scaring an opponent off. A lion will not back off from an attack. So if you want to learn all about whether a shark or a lion is more dangerous, then you’re in the right place. Let’s get started! Who Is More Dangerous, a Shark or a Lion? A Lion is far more dangerous for humans than any shark out there. Thousands of people have been killed by lions in the past decade. An occasional shark attack might happen from time to time, but they are not always lethal. Lions are not only dangerous for humans but other animals and predators too. It’s hard comparing the physical characteristics of both animal species because their biology and habitats are completely different. What we can compare is their behavior around other living beings. Sharks are fearful and don’t like getting in trouble when there is no need to, while lions are brave and proud, so they are a lot more likely to attack. When a shark does attack, it is to scare off the opponent and, after a single bite, it will probably swim away. There is no backing off for an attacking lion. So when it decides to kill, it’s almost impossible to be saved. Who Would Win in a Lion vs. Shark Fight? If this type of fight were possible, the place where the fight would take place would pretty much be the only factor in the outcome. A shark would beat any lion when the fight takes place in the sea, and a lion would always dominate the land against any shark. It sounds silly, but these are their biggest and most obvious attributes. Why Do Lions Attack Humans? While lions do not find human flesh as particularly tasty, they might see us as prey if given the chance. You have to understand that all big cats are apex predators and that nothing is safe around them. There are many reasons why a lion might attack a human. The most obvious reason why a lion might decide to start hunting people is hunger. Lionesses with cubs see people as something that might harm their babies, so they react to the presence of intruders by attacking. An injured lion can also feel threatened by human presence and try to defend himself by attacking. How Does a Lion Become a Man-Eater? Attacks due to lack of food or one’s injured self is a situational behavior – a man-eating lion is already a pattern of hunting behavior. If the situations repeat, they can contribute to the development of a man-eater. The most important reason why a lion becomes a man-eater is disrupted health. Older and debilitated lions aren’t strong enough or fast enough to hunt their usual prey. They perceive humans as easier prey and can begin to hunt them. Dental diseases are among the top health issues that can drive a lion mad in some way. Although they use their paws a lot to give fatal blows to victims, they still need their teeth and jaws to finish a victim. Chronic toothache might restrain them from going after the big game and focus on something not so tasty but easy to kill – us. One theory suggests that a small population of lions starts feeding on people as a way to supplement their diet, but this simply cannot be confirmed for now. Scientists believe that enriching their diet with human flesh is what produced the infamous man-eaters of Tsavo. Why Do Sharks Attack Humans? As people aren’t part of a shark’s natural diet, most of these animals are not dangerous to people but have some potential to become such. They attack humans when they are either curious or confused. When they see something splashing in the water, sharks go to investigate the area, which can lead to an accidental attack. There are more than 300 species of sharks swimming in the seas and oceans. Only about a dozen of shark species have been involved in human attacks. They fear people and usually don’t want anything to do with them. On the other hand, people hunt sharks for meat, skin, fins, organs, etc. Types of Shark Attack There are two main types of shark attacks: Unprovoked shark attacks Provoked shark attacks Unprovoked attacks are incidents that occur in the natural habitat of the shark. The humans involved in the incidents get bitten without provoking such behavior. When the human starts interacting with the shark in some way and thus provokes an aggressive reaction from the animal, that’s categorized as a provoked shark attack. These are bites when a diver tries to touch a shark, feed a shark, or in situations when the person is spearfishing or trying to remove a shark from a net. A special type of attack is when sharks deliberately attack marine vessels, both motorized and non-motorized. But in some cases, you can’t see whether it’s a shark or some other sea animal and can’t attribute the attacks to them. A Shark’s Diet A shark’s diet consists of eating invertebrates and smaller fish. They are the usual opportunistic feeder, which means they become adapted to a variety of prey wherever they forage. Larger sharks feed on marine mammals, seals, sea lions, but their opportunistic character never makes them see people as prey. Can a Shark Become a Man-Eater? No, a shark cannot become a man-eater because it’s not a predator. It’s a scavenger. Even if it accidentally gets a piece of human flesh inside its mouth, it will likely spit it out with disgust. Can You Survive a Lion Attack? There is a tiny possibility to survive a lion attack if you react appropriately and if you are …

Animals

Swimming With Sharks but Not With Crocodiles: Why So?

Here’s why we swim with sharks but not with crocodiles: Most sharks dislike human flesh, and they have expectations from their prey. They’re pretty predictable, and even if they bite a human, they’ll swim away because that’s not for them. Crocodiles are unpredictable, aggressive, and opportunistic. Once they have you in their grip, there’s almost no letting go. If you want to learn all about why we swim with sharks but not with crocodiles, then you’re in the right place. Let’s jump right in! Is Swimming With Sharks Dangerous? Swimming with sharks without any protection around you is very dangerous. Even when you are swimming or diving protected by a cage, with a professional guide, and in a flock of well-fed sharks, there is still some danger to it. A shark won’t feel a pleasurable sensation when devouring a human, but before it decides that you are a waste of time, it may have already caused severe damage. There is one species of shark called the tiger shark that has a nondiscriminatory taste and will feast on human flesh. From 2015 to 2019, there has been an average of 80 annual incidents where sharks attacked humans without being provoked. In 2020 the number was 57 reported cases, and 13 of them proved to be fatal. Since the beginning of cage diving with sharks, there hasn’t been a single fatality. The closest any cage diver came to death was a British tourist in South Africa whose cage was fiercely attacked by a great white shark back in 2005. Is Swimming With Crocodiles Dangerous? Getting anywhere near a crocodile is dangerous. This animal can kill on land and in water. To maintain their active hunt, they can crawl out of the water to take humans from the shore. And what is scarier than a crocodile on land? It’s a crocodile in the water. Hundreds to thousands of people get attacked by crocodiles each year. Almost half of the attacks are fatal for humans, depending on which crocodile species attacked them. Statistically speaking, you have a better chance of staying alive at the end of a Russian roulette rather than after being attacked by a crocodile. So whether you are on the edge of the water or inside it, you become fair game for the crocodile. To lower the chances of prey escaping, including you, these animals kill in groups called basks. They can even devour a hippopotamus when acting as a crew. While there is no exact number of croc attacks that happen, the approximate number of crocodile attack-related deaths in humans is around 1.000 per year. Why Are Crocodiles More Dangerous Than Sharks? Crocodiles attack intentionally to murder. They don’t want to scare away intruders or defend themselves. They just want blood. Unlike sharks, whose movement can give you an idea of their intentions, the crocodile is a completely unpredictable being. Most shark species aren’t territorial (only the bull shark and blacktip shark are). Crocodiles are social animals but don’t tolerate when strangers and even other unknown individuals of their kind invade their territory. Sharks are animals that don’t enjoy fighting, even though their physical appearance suggests confrontation. What they enjoy is ambushing sea turtles and seals while hunting. There’s not much fighting involved in this process as well. Crocodiles do enjoy the taste of humans, but not every attack is food-related. Many times when a crocodile kills a person, it will just leave the body lying around. That just shows how much crocs like the act of killing for the fun and amusement of it. It’s a rarity in nature for animals to kill without a strong reason (defense/food). One research shows that sharks occasionally get eaten by these reptiles. It’s only smaller sharks, but still, we see who is higher on the food chain. The Death Roll In the act of killing the crocodile grabs on its victim and rolls it around. The Death Roll is mostly reserved for larger prey. This way, the victim gets disoriented and drowned very fast. Some videos visually describe this action: A Nile crocodile from Burundi named Gustave is probably the most notorious man-eater of his kind. It’s rumored that this large male killed as many as 300 people in his lifetime. The real number is probably closer to 100 individuals, but that’s still a lot. Can You Swim With Crocodiles Anywhere in the World? You can swim with crocodiles in a controlled and uncontrolled environment only in two places in the world. Face-to-face encounters with a saltwater crocodile while being protected by the cage of death is a tourist attraction in Australia that offers 15 minutes of amusement. The cage is made out of Perspex or Polymethyl Methacrylate, an acrylic material. As a tourist, you are put in the 9.2 feet (2.8 m) high tank with 5.7 inches (145 mm) thick walls wearing only your swimsuit and a pair of underwater goggles. Swimming in a crocodile’s natural surroundings can be done in the diving center in Xcalak in Mexico. The diving organization makes it possible to share glazes with a wild crocodile completely unprotected freely. There are no cages, and the only security is the human handlers and the animal’s goodwill. The Difference in Cages for Sharks and Crocodile Diving The cages for crocodile diving in a controlled environment don’t have bars purposely. If there were bars, it would be easier for the animal to grip on them and break them. Some visible teeth scratches on the Perspex walls make hesitant participants not want to go inside the tank. Cages for shark diving are made out of aluminum. Steel is way stronger, but aluminum is easier to transport and carry and doesn’t corrode in the water. While sharks aren’t so interested in the cages and can’t easily break them, a crocodile will have no trouble destroying this type of enclosure. A crocodile has a bite force almost 3 times stronger than the bite force of the great white shark. Environmental Differences Between the Species Sharks …