(And don’t say we didn’t warn you!)

Here are our top 10 hints on how to survive a crocodile or alligator attack.
1. Stay away from water with crocodiles or alligators in.
Ask local residents about where crocodiles or alligators live in lakes and rivers, and don’t go swimming outside of designated areas.
Do not go in murky water, or swim at dusk or at night, when the animals hunt and are harder to see.
Step 2 - Be aware of your surroundings
Step 2 – Be aware of your surroundings
2. Be aware of your surroundings.
If you’re going to be in or around water where they live, you must remain on your guard.
Alligators and crocodiles can hide themselves very well in water, often keeping only their eyes and nostrils above water or submerging entirely.
Do not dangle arms or legs off a boat into the water, don’t walk too close to rivers or lakes, and avoid thick vegetation that provides these animals with good cover.

Step 3 - Stay at least fifteen feet away from alligators or crocodiles


Step 3 – Stay at least fifteen feet away from alligators or crocodiles
3. Stay at least fifteen feet away from alligators or crocodiles.
Once you’ve spotted them, give crocodilians a wide berth.
Fifteen feet is usually ample on land, but during mating season, or when near babies, it’s a good idea to stay even farther away.
Crocodilians are surprisingly fast – especially in water – so stay as far away as possible.

4. Don’t get too comfortable in your camp.
Crocs and alligators can memorise people’s habits and campsite layouts – so be very wary when you’re camping near water.
Set up camp well away from the water’s edge, and do not litter the area with food scraps.
If you have to use the water for washing, try not to use the same path every time.

Step 4 - Avoid surprising the animals


Step 4 – Avoid surprising the animals
5. Avoid surprising the animals.
If you see you’re going to come anywhere close to a crocodilian, make noise by slapping the water with your oars or whistling.
Stay away from riverbanks when coming around bends in a river, and make your presence known.
Crocodiles or alligators basking on the shore may attack in self-defense if you surprise them.
6. Let it know you’re watching it.
If there’s a croc or alligator on land, let it know that you’re watching it.
From a safe distance, stare at it and never take your eyes off of it – it may be intimidated and not come any closer.

Step 5 - Run Away
7. Run.
Crocodilians rely on the element of surprise to capture prey, so it’s extremely unusual for one to pursue a person on land.
The land speed record for a crocodilian is about 10 miles per hour, and they quickly grow tired – so a fit person should be able to outrun it without too much difficulty.
Run away from the water, as they will be trying to get back to where they feel safest.
8. If attacked, get away.
Sometimes, the animal will deliver a single, quick defensive bite and then immediately let go.
If this occurs, just try to get away from the animal as quickly as possible.
However, sometimes the animal doesn’t let go and will often try to drag a person into the water or underwater.
Crocodilians can stay underwater for much longer than humans can, so the only hope of survival if you’re attacked in this manner is to fight back and get away.

Step 6 - Fight back if you're attacked.


Step 6 – Fight back if you’re attacked.
9. Go for the eyes, nostrils, or throat
The most vulnerable part of a crocodile’s or alligator’s body is its eyes.
Try to hit or poke the eyes with whatever you have handy: an oar, a stick, or a knife – even your hands.
While not as sensitive as the eyes, the nostrils and ears can also be effectively attacked.
A hard blow or a cut to either of these areas may cause the animal to release you.
Crocodilians have a flap of tissue behind the tongue that covers their throats when they submerge in water.
This flap prevents water from flowing into their throats and stops the crocodile from drowning when its mouth is open.
If your arm or leg is stuck in a crocodile’s mouth, you may be able to pry this valve down.
Water will then flow into the crocodile’s throat, and animal will most likely let you go.

Step 7 - Get medical attention promptly


Step 7 – Get medical attention promptly
10. Get medical attention promptly.
A crocodilian’s mouth is home to millions of bacteria, and infection is almost guaranteed if a bite is not treated promptly.

WE HOPE THIS HELPS…………………… AND GOOD LUCK!

The Perspective Research Department and Naked News staff!