Watch the video: Crocodile sneaks up on you – expert drives away the predator with a simple trick.
This huge saltwater crocodile is targeting a shell collector.
David McMahon is stooping for a mussel on a remote stretch of coast when he notices 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 a matter of seconds by changing from prey to perceived threat to the predator. And you can do this with a simple trick. McMahon stands up straight. Now the crocodile sees its true size.
The reptile’s abrupt reaction is surprising.
McMahon explains, “As long as I’m crouched, I’m a potential prey, but the second I stand up, I go from a potential prey to a potential threat.”
The naturalist has been working with some of Australia’s deadliest animals for 10 years, but he says he still respects the dangers they pose.
“On a muddy river bank it would have all 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 the Northern Territory of Australia.
McMahon is using the attention his video has generated to raise awareness for the protection of this 160-million-year-old species, saying they are the region’s top predators and the ecosystem relies on them.