Imagine being out on a fishing trip and witnessing something so shocking that it’ll leave you speechless.
That’s exactly what happened to Northern Territory-based fisher Megan White and her friends when they stumbled upon a massive four-metre long saltwater crocodile devouring another of its own kind.
The Unexpected Discovery
On November 24, Megan and her friends were on an expedition at the Corroboree Billabong, southeast of Darwin, when they noticed a strange smell – like something was dead. At first, they thought they saw a crocodile pulling a dead cow into the river, which isn’t an uncommon sight in the area. But as they sent their drone up to investigate, they were in for a shock.
The Drone Captures a Killer Feat
The drone footage revealed that the animal was not a cow, but a huge male crocodile, likely dead for several days. It was bloated and had suffered fatal lacerations to its head and neck. But what really left them stunned was that the crocodile was being eaten by another, even bigger crocodile.
A Rare but Natural Phenomenon
While it’s not an everyday occurrence, crocodiles eating each other is not entirely unheard of in Australia. This behavior, known as intraspecific predation or cannibalism, is most commonly observed among estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles.
Why Do Crocs Eat Other Crocs?
So, why do crocodiles engage in this cannibalistic behavior? The answer lies in their opportunistic nature. If a smaller or injured crocodile is vulnerable, a larger one may take advantage. This behavior can even help regulate crocodile populations in certain areas.
Crocodiles: The Ultimate Predators
Crocodiles are known for their powerful jaws and razor-sharp teeth, making them apex predators in their ecosystem. And when they’re hungry, they won’t hesitate to eat whatever they can catch – including their own kind.
A Dramatic but Natural Aspect of Their Ecosystem
While cannibalism among crocodiles may seem dramatic, it’s a natural part of their ecosystem. And as seen in this drone footage, it can be a powerful reminder of the importance of respecting these incredible creatures and their habitats.
Not the First Time…
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen stunning photographs of crocodiles “showing off their meals”. Earlier this year, Western Australian man Rodney Fischer shared a breathtaking image of a large saltwater crocodile dragging a calf through waters in the state’s north.
The Impact on Livestock
The Ingenious image represented the significant livestock losses faced by cattle stations in the region, where wandering cows are frequently snatched by hungry crocodiles. It’s a sobering reminder of the importance of coexisting with these incredible creatures.