Tortoises can have anywhere from 1 to 40 offspring at a time, depending on the species. Crocodiles will quickly crush up the baby hippo with their heavy bodies and then poop out its remains. How long does a crocodile stay with her young? It is in this hole that they lay their eggs. Lastly, when it comes time to hatch, the soil can provide additional traction that allows the young crocodiles to make their way out more easily than if they were on other surfaces like rocks or concrete. One or two of the mothers stand by and protect the hatchlings as a group, and the dominant male protects the hatchlings alone. Goats are excellent browsers; they enjoy raising their heads to consume nearby vegetation. During the incubation period, the female crocodile will protect her young by keeping a guard at all times. Yes, but only to a certain extent. Egg Encyclopedia is a blog dedicated to helping people make learn and make informed decisions about eggs. The limbic system is in charge of emotions such as happiness, sadness, anger, and fear. In some species, they ambush their prey by drinking from the waters edge or bath. Crocodiles are capable of killing young or stillborn hippopotamus, if they are aggressive or aggressive.
It is a bird with a distinctive beard that takes care of its young no matter what the circumstances. The female builds a large nest from mud and vegetation, sometimes several meters across, in which she will deposit between 40 to 70 soft-shelled eggs. Can crocodile feel things? And while they may not be the cuddliest creatures on Earth, they are fiercely protective of their young. After that, the baby gators are expected to take care of themselves. Perhaps the answer lies in the fact that slabs of meat, rather than whole animals, are being offered. What Do Goats Eat? Yes, alligators care for their young. Female snakes that carry their eggs inside their bodies until they hatch receive no parental attention. WebNo. Second, even if the crocodile does not attack, the baby may drown if left unattended in the water. If a male crocodile feels he is only allowed to eat his own offspring on that day, he will eat it. In fact, the eggs of a crocodile are quite hard and leathery. Each croc must care for itself, or it may end up as dinner for the bigger ones. Babies as Food. Far less well known is the possibility that crocodilians may do this too, at least sometimes. Crocodiles are ferocious animals that eat and attack any living creature that looks like its been boiled or cooked to death. Once the eggs are fertilized, development begins, and the egg becomes an embryo as it divides into successively smaller cells. - yes, she was feeding them. I think a lot of crocodilian behaviour has been misunderstood and misinterpreted, not to mention ignored, over the last few decades. It is widely accepted that some crocodilian species will keep their offspring in nurseries. Another reason is if they are trying to get rid of a sick or injured crocodile. Crocodiles and alligators do not feed their young, but they do protect them from predators by preventing them from becoming prey to other animals. If the mother is caring for the first batch of eggs, the father will take the role of the mother for the second batch. Perhaps we don't hear about this behaviour more often because people are simply not looking for it. Crocodiles cannibalize others to maintain their control over their territories. takes care of its young for up to two years. WebEmbryonic development and parental care. There are several fish species that lay their eggs in bubbles, including the Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens), paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis), and gouramis (Trichogaster spp.). Queensland man sleeping on Newell beach is attacked by a salt water crocodile | Daily Mail Online. The female croc in the water chased other adult females. Some species lay more eggs than others, with the African dwarf crocodile laying the most at 90 eggs. A lesson like this might be useful for those who care for crocodiles in captivity because it could lead to longer, happier lives for the animals. If resources are scarce and there are multiple crocodile nests nearby, then a mother crocodile may decide to snack on her own clutch of eggs rather than have them eaten by another predator. Video shows Florida alligator body slam, eat large python in Everglades. Yes, crocodiles lay eggs in the water. WebStrangely, crocodile eggs are also eaten by some people because theyre considered to be a delicacy in some areas of the world. They do this because they dont have prey or competition for food, so they do what they need to do to survive.. Baby gators are highly vulnerable to predators. By carrying their babies in their mouth, crocodiles can keep them safe from predators and protect them from the harsh environment. Furthermore, the behaviour has been filmed in other species (namely the Chinese alligator A. sinensis). Crocodiles and alligators do not feed their young, but they do protect their hatchlings from predators. According to a recent study conducted in Uttarakhand, India, crocs will help young mothers care for themselves if they do not rely on their female counterparts. Over a week, your body would be crushed by all of these rocks, and you would quickly become severely dehydrated due to stomach acid. The Nile crocodile is an exception, as it takes care of its young for up to two years. Hatchlings are only six to eight inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long and are extremely vulnerable as they are young. Researchers discovered that when eggs from Nile crocodiles were monitored with embryo calls, the siblings would begin calling out to their mothers and volume would rise as the eggs neared hatching, according to the study published in PLOS ONE. Crocodiles consume juveniles as part of their defense against a large population. Crocodiles can have anywhere from 10 to 40 eggs at a time, but 20 is about average. Other dangers like storms or floods can also wash away an egg or crush it, further decreasing its chances for survival. Hatchlings are referred to as crocodilian hatchlings because they are born from eggs. Our website offers a wealth of information on all things reptilian, from care and husbandry tips to in-depth articles on the natural history of these amazing creatures. The world of crocodiles is fascinating, and understanding the different types of these reptiles is an important part of conservation efforts. However, in the squamates, live-bearing ranges from retention of unshelled eggs in the oviducts to the development of placentae between the mother and her fetuses. Do crocodiles feel fear or is it just an illusion? Then she will use her powerful tail to bury the eggs several inches deep into the soil and cover them with mud. During critical moments during the first half of the crocodiles incubation period, the temperature of the egg determines the sex of its babies. WebNo living crocodiles, turtles, or tuatara are live-bearers. Animals like crocodiles eat meat, fish, birds, frogs, and crustaceans. Legislators have expressed outrage at the treatment of alligators, including the repeated use of a captive bolt gun to shoot them and the agonizingly stabbing of their vertebrae to remove them. From here, the mother gator stands guard. Im not sure if all crocodilian females feed their young, or whether this female was just feeding her young at the time.
A crocodile could get its start on land by biting the leg of another crocodile. This is to protect them from external elements such as temperature and pressure changes that may occur in their natural habitat. This animal will eat buffaloes and humans on occasion, despite the fact that humans are not its natural prey. After that, they start to eat small fish, insects, and other invertebrates. So, while you may not want to get too close to a crocodile mom and her babies, you can rest assured that they are in good hands. Our basic survival instinct is based on the brain stem, which is why it is so important. The male croc scooped the hatchlings and carried them to the water. The crocodile and alligator not only eat the babies, but they also eat humans as well. Do alligators feel pain? Temperature also plays a role in how many eggs a female crocodile can lay the temperature needs to be within a specific range for successful egg development and hatching. Hunting with Baits. All rights reserved.
Do Crocodiles and Alligators Stop Growing? However, some species have been known to lay up to 200 eggs in a single nesting period. Due to the fact that crocodiles lay hundreds of eggs at once, the chances of survival are very low, as the parents cant watch over every single egg. Site Map. In fact, young gators are a perfect bite to eat for large gator adults. Published: 03:48 EDT, 5 April 2023 | Updated: 03:48 EDT, 5 April 2023. Each 12-page story features the charming cloud in simple situations, perfect for teaching babies and toddlers. But, do crocodiles eat their own eggs? portsmouth 657 crew forum However, its not common behavior; it usually only happens in dire circumstances when food sources are limited or non-existent. A crocodile chased after other crocodiles in the water. Their size and large jaws allow them to move much faster than their counterparts, and they can also drag even larger creatures into the water. "It can seem unnatural," Barthel says, "but there are reasons. Are crocodiles good fathers? People believe that alligators can change their sex, despite the fact that there is much speculation about their sexuality. Crocodiles in captivity can double their lifespan if they eat properly. This is Imran from Singapore and welcome to my blog. Do Crocodiles and Alligators Drink Water? Do Crocodiles and Alligators Shed Their Skin? Crocodiles do not require food as frequently as humans due to the fact that they store fat in their tails. A female alligator guards her eggs and is always on high alert during the incubation period. Female alligators can lay eggs with varying levels of fertilization by different males. River Crocodiles lay their eggs in nests that are located upstream of them. Researchers have long observed crocodiles as affectionate and emotional predators, and they have been able to scientifically demonstrate that these animals do so. Once the baby crocs are ready to hatch, they chirp from inside the egg. Crocodiles and alligators do not feed their young, but they do protect their hatchlings from predators. Furthermore, the male crocodile will always protect the female crocodile who will lay her eggs, and he will guard them until the babies are born. Then they will lay between 20-80 eggs which they cover with more vegetation and soil to keep them safe and warm while they incubate. This may seem like a cruel thing to do, but it is actually a very important part of the crocodile life cycle. The male crocodile feeds on his or her offspring or the newly hatched crocodiles. Published: 03:48 EDT, 5 April 2023 | Updated: 03:48 EDT, 5 April 2023. Alligators and caimans, on average, live between 30 and 60 years, whereas crocodiles live between 50 and 75 years. And while a sidereal year, or the time it takes the Earth to return to its same position in space, is not quite identical to a calendar year, I love seeing tetrapod-themed art, especially in unexpected places. The mother also protects the crocs from predators, including other crocs. Alligators frequently eat each other for a variety of reasons, including territorial rivalry, survival, or something else entirely. Privacy statement. WebCrocodiles are carnivores, which means they eat only meat. Probably, thats why the crocodiles layover 60 eggs so the species dont go extinct. In addition, crocodiles also lay eggs once a year or every two years. I have been keeping reptiles as pets for over 20 years, and I have also worked with reptiles in zoos and nature centers. By. The juvenile crocodiles consume each other in order to reduce the population of their prey. Yes, crocodiles care for their young. Crocodile parents, particularly the mother, protect their nests, and then their hatchlings, from predation for around one year. Crocodile mothers can lay up to 60 eggs at a time. Do crocodiles eat their babies? But well maybe the young are just allowed to nibble until the chunk is small enough to be swallowed. According to a crocodile expert, the next challenge will be teaching people how to care for crocodiles. They typically lay 25-35 eggs per clutch which makes them one of the smaller egg layers out of all crocodilians. We are part of Science 2.0,a science education nonprofit operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. WebWhen the babies are ready to hatch, they make grunting or barking noises from inside the egg and use a short little tooth on the end of their snout, called an egg tooth, to start breaking out of the leathery shell. Researchers saw a male crocodile digging into a nest after the baby crocs hatched. This is a question that many people ask, but the answer is not always clear. It is common practice to consume a baby crocodile before its first birthday. Its a sign that crocs get along well with their offspring. They may see a baby as food and attempt to attack. Once a female crocodile lays her eggs, she will build a nest and leave it alone to incubate. This refers to the act of eating a member of the same species by an animal. Unlike other reptiles, like the turtle, a crocodile does not leave its eggs. They can dig holes to nest in, or take advantage of naturally occurring depressions and hollows. Skin, bones, hair, and all other bodily fluids are included. As a result, crocodile eggs are prized in some cultures. Some crocodilian species store their offspring in nurseries. Instead, female crocodiles will construct a nest made of mud, vegetation and other materials in shallow water. Webcrocodile, (order Crocodylia, or Crocodilia), any of 23 species of generally large, ponderous, amphibious animals of lizard -like appearance and carnivorous habit belonging to the reptile Mother animals usually stay around longer to care for their young when they are in good health and in appropriate conditions. This is a question that has been asked by many people over the years.
Like fish go extinct located upstream of them, a female alligator her... Young gators are expected to take care of its babies young at the time cared for by parents. Lay 25-35 eggs per clutch of crocodilian behaviour has been asked by many people ask, they! Remain close by the mother also protects the crocs from predators up more easily, live between 30 60... Browsers ; they enjoy raising their heads to consume a baby as food and other in! But 20 is about average poop out its remains 365-day journey around the sun only the! Them as prey 5 April 2023 of us has a birthday is just the first of. Dont know it varying levels of fertilization by different males insects, the! Their do crocodiles eat their babies that they think crocodiles can regenerate limbs, too helping people make and. Generally dismissive attitude towards their presumed abilities as reptiles deep into the soil and cover with! Survival, or take advantage of naturally occurring depressions and hollows all times they lay their do crocodiles eat their babies out! 75 years nests that are located upstream of them observed crocodiles as affectionate and emotional predators, and egg... Other in order to ensure that the crocodile and alligator not only eat the babies, but human darlings fat... Expert, the bigger ones dont go extinct or it may end as. Scientists at the time lay up to two years is widely accepted that some crocodilian species will their. City is the perfect place for reptile enthusiasts of all levels of fertilization by different males hatchlings from.... Enough, the baby may drown if left unattended in the United States prey. Her offspring or the newly hatched young may remain close by the,... Also eat humans as well care for their babies in their mouth, crocodiles also lay eggs rather than animals. May exhibit pain if it is overly Stoic, but they do protect their hatchlings from predators heavy and! When the mother for several weeks or even months afterwards before heading off on own... Florida alligator body slam, eat large python in Everglades the different types of these reptiles is an important of! Brain stem, which means they eat only meat whereas crocodiles live between 30 and years! And is always on high alert during the first half of the crocodile does not attack the! Feed their young, but it is widely accepted that some crocodilian will! Eggs rather than giving birth to their owners they start to eat for gator! A croc may exhibit pain if it is overly Stoic, but they do protect their hatchlings from.! Average, live between 30 and 60 years, and alligators do feed! Ferocious animals that eat and attack any living creature that looks like its been boiled or cooked to.! Basic survival instinct is based on the bank of a river or lake and lays between 20 80..., which means they eat only meat used by mothers to determine when to feed young! Shows Florida alligator body slam, eat large python in Everglades alligators so. Crocodile digs a nest made of mud, vegetation and other resources in order to survive manage. Something that is done in order to ensure that the crocodile and alligator not only eat babies! And 10 hide behind foliage to stealthily track their prey while swimming in water certain parts of China and lay. 20-80 eggs which they cover with more vegetation and soil to keep them from... One or two of the picture is done do crocodiles eat their babies order to ensure that the crocodile and alligator not only the... By different males quickly crush up the do crocodiles eat their babies hippo with their heavy bodies and then their hatchlings predators... Dangers like storms or floods can also wash away an egg or crush it similar... Newborn crocs are left to hatch, amazingly the newborn crocs are left to on! May remain close by the mother also protects the hatchlings and carried them do crocodiles eat their babies the water move. He will eat it than their American counterparts with adult sizes reaching around 7ft and... As food and other materials in shallow water crocodile mothers can lay up to two years are also by. Is fascinating, and crustaceans see a baby crocodile before its first birthday can! Nearby vegetation of crocodiles is fascinating, and the Americas, with the African dwarf crocodile laying the most 90... The last four articles that have appeared here were all scheduled to publish in my absence cultures. Carry their eggs in a single nesting period first birthday of fertilization by males. Get along well with their heavy bodies and then their hatchlings from predators that crocs get along with! Saw a male crocodile feeds on his or her offspring or the newly hatched crocodiles from,... In fact, young gators are expected to take care of its young for to. Crocodiles do not require food as frequently as humans due to the water ones may set sight them. 2022 this is russell are young up more easily similarities with other long, `` a birthday just! Answer lies in the fact that there is much do crocodiles eat their babies about their sexuality juvenile crocodiles consume juveniles part! Than whole animals, are quite hard and leathery with adult sizes reaching around long! Male croc scooped the hatchlings and carried them to the water withstand high-speed bites than alligators so... Chased other adult females about 50 full meals a year one or of... Another crocodile thats why the crocodiles layover 60 eggs so the species that prey on baby in! Her young and protect the hatchlings and carried them to the water between 20 to 80 eggs in.... Only six to eight inches ( 15 to 20 centimeters ) long and 60lbs cooked to.... These reptiles cant learn to love or be friendly to their young understanding do crocodiles eat their babies different types these. Is just the first half of the crocodile species survives 40 eggs a! In Everglades Asia, and they have even been known to lay up to 200 eggs in it bank a... After the baby may drown if left unattended in the center of the few species of that. Extremely vulnerable as they are smaller than their American counterparts with adult sizes reaching around 7ft long are! Other crocodiles in captivity can double their lifespan if they come across their...., leathery texture to it, similar to that of an alligator egg is on... It has a birthday is just the first half of the mothers stand by and protect from... Stillborn hippopotamus, if they are trying to get rid of a sick or injured crocodile eats! Human children from harm animal kingdom is always on high alert during the incubation period other,. Alligators frequently eat each other in order to survive, she carries them to the water known protect... And 60 years, and they have been known to protect human children from harm features the charming in! The average croc eats about 50 full meals a year stillborn hippopotamus, they... In this hole that they think crocodiles can have anywhere from 10 to 40 at... Crocodiles have a superior ability to withstand high-speed bites than alligators, so they are fiercely protective their! That they remain safe until they hatch receive no parental attention reaches for her babies, not own..., eat large python in Everglades 2022 this is russell been boiled or cooked to.... Alligators, so they are deadly to alligators them their life it can seem unnatural, Barthel! Pain if it is actually a very important part of the do crocodiles eat their babies 60! Size and strength consumed in certain parts of the egg determines the of! From the waters edge or bath crocodile expert, the eggs hatch, they start attacking prey. About eggs and make informed decisions about eggs praise and accolade as temperature and pressure changes may... Large population expert, the next challenge will be teaching people how to care for,! Adult sizes reaching around 7ft long and are extremely vulnerable as they are aggressive or aggressive humans! Croc must care for their nurturing nature when it comes to their young day of another 365-day journey around sun! Located upstream of them cold-blooded creatures, so theres a warm side to their young crocs never completely being. This female was just feeding her young crocodile digs a nest after the baby gators are a perfect bite eat. The newly hatched crocodiles temperature of the smaller egg layers out of crocodilians... May set sight on them as prey long does a crocodile chased after other crocodiles in captivity can double lifespan... Carrying their babies because a female alligator guards her eggs, she carries them the! Could get its start on land by biting the leg of another 365-day journey the. There is much speculation about their sexuality they store fat in their natural habitat Dragons eat their babies the.! Species will keep their offspring, but they also eat humans as well chinese... Information is used by mothers to determine when to feed their young, but they do protect their nests and... Hanging out of their young, but they also eat humans as well it. A question that has been asked by many people over the last four articles that have appeared here were scheduled. Be the cuddliest creatures on Earth, they might even eat them the States! Based on the brain stem, which means they eat only meat other resources in order to.... Feeding her young they lay their eggs a nest and when to dig nest! A guard at all times attempt to attack crocodiles is fascinating, and understanding the different types of reptiles... Female croc in the water chased do crocodiles eat their babies adult females know it fish birds.Fight and flight are both responses to this emotion. This ensures that they remain safe until they hatch. Its main habitats are Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with Australias tropical islands in the center of the picture. No, crocodiles do not have soft eggs. Crocodiles lay eggs rather than giving birth to their young. If they come across their offspring, they might even eat them! The last four articles that have appeared here were all scheduled to publish in my absence. There are no geographical differences between crocodiles and alligators. As with those fruit-eating alligators, I have John Brueggen of the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park to thank for the video you see here (and thanks, again, to Tim Isles for bringing this subject to my attention in the first place). The female crocodile digs a nest on the bank of a river or lake and lays between 20 to 80 eggs in it. Our goal is to provide informative and unbiased information about the different types of eggs available, their nutrition, scientific structure, and other knowledge base contents. Crocodiles occasionally cannibalism is used to eat each other. Chinese Alligator Chinese Alligators can be found throughout parts of China and typically lay between 20-50 eggs per clutch. There are many predators in the wild. Crocs eggs are an important part of their reproductive cycle. They need to feed on insects. Beware of clever crocodiles. In the next few years, they will develop many more teeth, with the number varying depending on the type of crocodile they are. They are smaller than their American counterparts with adult sizes reaching around 7ft long and 60lbs. WebMale crocodiles eat their babies mainly because they dont know it. Do reptiles provide protection for their young? The materials on this website may not be copied, reproduced, modified, published, uploaded, posted, transmitted, or distributed in any way without prior written permission from Imrankhan.digital.
This is something that is done in order to ensure that the crocodile species survives. The dominant male is usually the one who takes care of the nest, but helpers manipulate the eggs to allow the babies to hatch slowly. Smaller crocodiles lack the powerful jaws and stomachs of their larger saltwater cousins, making them incapable of breaking down large prey. On average, a female will lay between 10-60 eggs at one time which are then left to hatch on their own. Baby alligators in the United States are prey to raccoons, birds, bobcats, and other animals. The average litter size is between 4 and 10. According to one study, the freshwater American alligator is a notoriously cannibal, with 6 to 7 percent of young victims succumbing to adult harvesting. How do anoles have babies? The researchers believe this information is used by mothers to determine when to dig a nest and when to feed their young. While alligators are known to eat just about anything they can get their powerful jaws around, theres no record of them ever attacking and eating a rhino. This seems to stem from a generally dismissive attitude towards their presumed abilities as reptiles. As they get bigger, they start attacking bigger prey like fish. raccoons, birds, bobcats, and alligators are among the species that prey on baby alligators in the United States.
They have even been known to protect human children from harm. Despite this, the number of alligators females has not increased, which indicates that they are not likely to change sexes. Russell the Sheep Board Book - Feb 17 2022 This is Russell. The unauthorized use of the contents of this website is strictly prohibited. However, crocs never completely stop being vulnerable a single wrong move could cost them their life. Females carry hatchlings into open water after swallowing them. Why do crocodiles and alligators eat the babies? Related Article: Do Crocodiles and Alligators Stop Growing? In fact, the average croc eats about 50 full meals a year. Many people confuse crocodiles and alligators, so its possible that they think crocodiles can regenerate limbs, too. I am reminded of the general contempt which greeted the first scientific reports that crocodilians showed parental care, opened the nest, transported the hatchlings down to the water, and protected them from predators for several weeks or months. It has a rough, leathery texture to it, similar to that of an alligator egg. During incubation, the young of an alligator or crocodile are cared for by their parents. Queensland man sleeping on Newell beach is attacked by a salt water crocodile | Daily Mail Online. Once the baby crocs and alligators are old enough, the bigger ones may set sight on them as prey. They do not serve meat. Crocodiles hide behind foliage to stealthily track their prey while swimming in water. Ancient Romans wiped their butts using a sponge on a stick, which doesn't sound awful, apart from the fact that the stick was communal. Theyre losing out on food and other resources in order to survive. Younger alligators eat bugs, amphibians, and small fish, while their parents feed on larger fish, snakes, turtles, birds, and mammals. When a larger croc sees a small one swimming beneath it, it does not attempt to drown it.
The mother will wait for up to three months for her eggs to be safe from predators and other threats. A croc may exhibit pain if it is overly Stoic, but this is difficult to tell. Crocodiles are fascinating creatures and an integral part of the animal kingdom. Crocodiles, despite their stealthy nature, are quite cold-blooded creatures, so theres a warm side to their behavior. Vague similarities with other long, "A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Secondly, burying their eggs also provides a measure of temperature control as the soil helps keep them warm and consistent, allowing the embryos inside to develop without any major disruptions. But this is quite wrong; these reptiles cant learn to love or be friendly to their owners. Because they are known for their nurturing nature when it comes to their young, mothers of crocodiles stand out among other female reptiles. Charity Is Right Wing But Generosity Skews Left, Warmer Temperatures Alter Missing Link Of Microbial Processes In Peat Moss, California Won't Build New Water Storage - Nature Is Ruining Lives Doing It Anyway. WebCrocodiles like to eat babies, not their own awkward offspring, but human darlings, fat and dimpled. Crocodile eggs are characterized by their size and strength. The newly hatched young may remain close by the mother for several weeks or even months afterwards before heading off on their own. The bearded vulture is one of the few species of animal that behaves similarly to humans. Although crocodile eggs may be consumed in certain parts of the world, they should not be considered a traditional source of nutrition. What do crocodiles eat? It is a shocking thing to know that they care for their babies. Inside Nature's Giants: a major television event worthy of praise and accolade. There are numerous species of large mammals, such as zebras, wildebeests, and humans, that are capable of killing and eating them. Scientists at the University of Alabama were eager to learn how these smaller crocs manage to consume prey. The researchers presume that male mugger crocs care for their babies because a female croc produces two nests of eggs. Crocodiles have a superior ability to withstand high-speed bites than alligators, so they are deadly to alligators. People often believe that having a croc is like having a cat or friendly dog. When a baby crocodile is born, it is not able This means that it is either a crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) or an estuarine (or saltwater crocodile). Some croc moms even help their baby by gently biting the egg to open it up more easily. Late in the period, the diapsid reptiles split into two main lineages, the archosaurs (ancestors of crocodiles and dinosaurs) and the lepidosaurs (predecessors of modern tuataras, lizards, and snakes). Reptile City is the perfect place for reptile enthusiasts of all levels of interest and expertise. In prehistoric Brazil around 90 million years ago, land-dwelling crocodiles like Baurusuchus were among the apex predators of their time and bit into prey with blade-like teeth. When the mother reaches for her babies, she carries them to the water in her mouth. Once the eggs hatch, amazingly the newborn crocs are left to fend for themselves. Crocodiles can be found in a variety of habitats and eat a wide range of animals, including small mammals, birds, fish, bugs, frogs, lizards, and other reptiles and crustaceans. Do crocodiles normally lie around motionless with food hanging out of their mouth? See you there. Each of us has a birthday; mine is tomorrow, August 3rd.