Watch the video: Crocodile sneaks up – expert drives away the predator with a simple trick.
This giant saltwater crocodile is after a shell collector.
David McMahon is stooping for a seashell on a remote stretch of coast when he spots the large predator.
To show how one should behave in such a situation, the crocodile expert films the encounter with his cell phone.
McMahon explains that you can turn the tables in seconds, going from prey to perceived threat to the predator. And you can do that with a simple trick. McMahon straightens up and stands up straight. Now the crocodile sees its true size.
The abrupt reaction of the reptile surprised.
McMahon explains, “As long as I’m crouched I’m potential prey, but in a second when I stand up I go from potential prey to potential threat.”
The naturalist has worked with some of Australia’s deadliest animals for 10 years, but says he still respects the dangers they pose.
“On a muddy riverbank it would have been over before I even knew what was going on,” he says.
Saltwater crocodiles grow up to 6 m long. The encounter took place on the Arnhem Land Coast in Australia’s Northern Territory.
McMahon uses the attention his video generated to call for the protection of this 160-million-year-old species, saying they are the region’s most important predators and the ecosystem depends on them.