Every animal needs to go to water at some point to get a drink, but predators know this, and they often take the opportunity to hunt their prey around bodies of water. Crocodile’s are especially dangerous, as they hunt from the water itself.
Henco Roelofse caught this encounter on camera, and sent the footage to Latest Sightings. At the aptly named Crocodile Bridge at the Kruger National Park, this reptile was going to put on a show of speed and agility.
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In The Danger Zone
The goose hadn’t dared to go too deep into the water, likely for this exact reason. As bodies of water make for good hunting grounds for crocodiles, and other predators, most animals must quickly learn to wary around them, otherwise they might find themselves trapped.
The crocodile was lucky to have a potential meal wander right into an area it could hunt it, but the goose must have believed it was keeping itself relatively safe, as it barely went deep enough for the water to cover its knees.
It had likely only wanted to cool off quickly in the clear water, maybe have a quick drink before carrying on its way, but now it was at risk of a rapid death as the crocodile suddenly sped towards it.
Maximum Speed
The clearness of the water might have saved the goose’s life, as it could see the crocodile coming. Moving with incredible speed just beneath the surface of the shallow water, the croc caught up to the goose in seconds, and made it clear that escape would be difficult for its prey.
The clear waters also meant Henco and the camera could see everything as the croc swam up to its prey. Many people will have heard about the danger crocodiles pose, and the speed they’re capable of, but to see it so clearly is amazing.
With smooth motions and some rapid tail movements, the crocodile was able to propel itself along just above the surface of the river bed, occasionally touching its feet to the ground to adjust its direction.
Evasive Maneuvers
This crocodile wasn’t awkwardly moving around on land like they might often be seen, and nor was it lunging out of the water to seize an unlucky animal trying to drink, as they can impressively do.
This crocodile was in its natural habitat, and it was showing why these animals have reached the top of the food chain, and why they are at the pinnacle of their evolution.
The goose knew it was going to be in for a rough time, but interestingly it didn’t choose to do the one thing that would guarantee safety: fly away. Despite its speed, the crocodile couldn’t follow the bird in the air, but instead the goose stayed on the ground, hurrying out of the croc’s way.
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Into The Darkness
The goose was looking more and more nervous, and perhaps if the crocodile had actually made a determined effort to lunge at it, then it would have taken to the skies to escape. Instead, the croc slunk away into the shadowy darkness beneath the riverbank.
The goose was going to survive another day, while the crocodile had put on such an incredibly impressive display of speed, agility and threat, that anyone would have been lucky to see it.