Fatal attacks According to Crocodilian attack database CrocBITE, eight women have been killed in crocodile attacks in Australia since 1869, compared to 31 men. People aged between 16 and 35 years are most likely to be victims of crocodile attacks, based on historical data.
Saltwater crocodile attacks DO happen in Australia on a regular basis. (Most attacks are on pets and livestock, but unfortunately there also regular accidents involving humans, and about two per year are fatal.)
The Most Dangerous Crocodiles
While crocodiles over about 8 feet pose a serious threat to humans, the nile and saltwater crocs are the most dangerous of all species. Both of these actively hunt humans and will even crawl out of the water to take humans from the shore.
In Australia, researchers kept detailed records of crocodile attacks and found that between 1971-2004 (a period of 33 years) there were 62 definite, unprovoked attacks, 17 of which were fatal. That averages out to 1.9 attacks each year in Australia.
The Freshwater Crocodile is not considered dangerous to humans. Unlike their “Saltie” cousins, “Freshies” are rather shy and will tend to flee from humans. However, they may bite when threatened.
Pro Tip: If you spot a croc, back away slowly and try not to make sudden movements. Splashing in water will only draw attention. If a crocodile heads your way, run away in a straight line. The myth about moving in a zig-zag motion is just that—a myth.
"If they've got hold of you, poking the eyes is the only possible way you can fight back - they have thousands of years of instinct telling them this is the only vulnerable part of their body and they need to let go," Mr Cooper says.
But how quickly can they run? Most crocodiles can achieve speeds of around 12 to 14 kph for short periods, which is somewhat slower than a fit human can run. Don't believe the hype - if you're reasonably fit, you can definitely outrun a crocodile!
One or two people a year are killed by crocodiles in Australia.
Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)
The species easily claims the title of the most-dangerous crocodilian, since it is widely thought to be responsible for more than 300 attacks on people per year.
The good news is they can be cured with a much simpler antibiotic treatment than we realised. Since crocodiles were granted protected species status in the 1970s in Australia, they have attacked more than 100 humans. For those lucky to survive, their injuries often become infected.
There are a couple of reasons why swimming with sharks is safer. Most sharks do not like the way people taste. They expect their prey to taste a certain way, like fish/seal, and we do not taste like that. Sharks also do not like the sensation of eating people.
How can I swim with crocs? There is only one dive organisation in Mexico where you can organise to swim with crocodiles XTC Dive Centre from their dive centre in Xcalak and Yucatan Dive Trek – their sister company that organises the logistics.
Crocosaurus Cove is also home to the famous Cage of Death, Australia's only crocodile dive. Swim with one of the largest saltwater crocs in the world, and marvel at his prehistoric features and mesmerising gaze. This is a truly up close and personal experience that must be done.
There are thought to be around 200,000 Saltwater Crocodiles in Australia, with the most found in the areas surrounding Darwin and the Mary River. Over the years, they have been hunted for their skins and have almost been brought to extinction on a number of occasions.
Crocodile attacks on humans are common in places where large crocodilians are native and human populations live. It has been estimated that about 1,000 people are killed by crocodilians each year.
Horses and cows kill the most humans every year in Australia
It really is no joke.
Tarcoles River - highest populations of crocodiles in world - 25 crocs per square kilometer - Picture of Jose's Crocodile River Tour, Tarcoles - Tripadvisor.
"Optimal climate conditions (such as in some places in Australia) with few cold periods make it easier for the crocs to grow larger," Groh said.
"Saltwater crocs have the strongest recorded bite force of any animal on the planet — [the] kind of force can easily crush a human skull," Frost said.
Their armor-like skin is near impenetrable—no amount of kicking, punching, or other fighting can pierce it—and their heads are solid masses of bone. According to Chris Packham, wildlife presenter and crocodile fan, “there are no weak points” across their bodies So what do you do?
Crocodiles cannot bite underwater
They have a palatal valve that seals off the back of the mouth/throat, preventing water entering the lungs when underwater.
Attack the palatal valve behind the animal's tongue.
If the animal has dragged you under the water, grabbing hold of this valve may be your only choice. Once you get hold of the valve, it will cause water to flow into the crocodile's throat, forcing it to release you.
“Pop them on the snout. The tip of their snout is very sensitive. That might be able to get them to release you,” Magill said. Jabbing a gator in the eyes may also make it release its bite, even for just a moment, allowing you to get away before it pulls you underwater.