Two wrestling crocs stole the spotlight in a rare sighting recently witnessed by Dylan Royal in the Kruger National Park.
It was not immediately evident that war was breaking out beneath the water surface as Dylan and viewers observed the tranquil river setting.
A croc sighting that began like any other
A crocodile’s head could be seen surfacing and for a moment, it appeared it was business as usual for the croc. However, a strange anomaly occurred… a second head appeared above the surface, and it appeared one of the croc’s jaws was clenched over the other’s head. Dylan watched on in awe.
Crocodiles frequently engage in fierce battles over territory, food, and mating rights. Perhaps these two big guys had their eyes set on the same female croc; or perhaps the river was just too small for the two of them.
The reality is that in nature, there are frequent fights for dominance between males of a species and crocs are no exception.
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In the harsh environment they inhabit, only the strongest individuals thrive. Their size and strength often determine survival, with larger and more powerful crocodiles having a significant advantage.
Crocs battle it out in display of dominance
These two crocodiles turned about in the water; at times disappearing for tentative moments beneath the ripples, at time, waves, they were causing on the surface.
It was hard at times to tell which tail and which spiny back belonged to which crocodile, as their forms intertwined in battle.
While territorial clashes and dominance displays are common among these ancient reptiles, cannibalism is relatively rare. However, this does not deter them from fighting until one is defeated or even killed.
This brutal behavior sends a clear message — even members of their own species are not guaranteed safety.
The Nile crocodile, which is the species of crocodile found in the Kruger National Park, is the second largest species of croc in the world.
These big boys also have one of the most powerful bite forces among animal species. Bite forces range from 3,000 PSI and can reach up to 5,000 PSI.
When two healthy, strong Nile crocodiles wrestle it out for dominance and bite at one another, one can only imagine the harm that can be inflicted.
However, these crocodiles didn’t show any signs of woundedness but continued neck-on-neck in the water.
An ancient creature which has survived the test of time
It’s hard to say, owing to the veil of water, which crocodile emerged the ‘alpha croc’. However, the sighting was a reminder of why crocs should be respected and was perhaps a special glimpse into the secret lives of crocs.
A Nile crocodile can grow up to 4,5 to 5,5 meters. With such strength, bite force and size, it’s no wonder these stealthy, ancient creatures have survived the test of time.
This sighting is another reminder of why it pays to spend some time in one’s vehicle at waterholes and rivers. The most spectacular sightings might not be immediately obvious, but if you wait for them, they will come.