Watch a Fearless Kayaker Chase Down a Crocodile That Stole His Gear

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It’s not every day that a crocodile decides that it wants your gear. However, that’s exactly what happens to one kayaker, as seen in the video below.

While kayaking with others, one unnamed kayaker begins to record. In the near distance of the video, you can see a crocodile swimming with something in its mouth — something that certainly doesn’t belong to it. As the croc’ swims away, the kayaker isn’t willing to allow this small theft to go unnoticed.

Instead, the video allows you to follow along as the kayaker chases after the crocodile, which attempts to evade capture by swimming and diving underwater. At one point, the kayaker is able to catch up and is able to try and pry away his gear using the paddle to his kayak. However, this attempt is unsuccessful, and the chase continues.

At one point in the video, the kayaker says, “I’ll show you a picture of a crocodile; this isn’t a crocodile.” However, with our little thief choosing to stay underwater for most of the video, identifying the exact species, and whether it’s a crocodile, alligator, or some other related reptile, can be difficult.

By the end of the video, the kayaker has retrieved his gear, and the croc’ has escaped unharmed — a win-win situation for all those involved.

Alligator vs. Crocodile vs. Caiman vs. Gharial: What’s the Difference?

As mentioned above, at one point in the middle of the video, the kayaker notes that the mischievous reptile isn’t a crocodile, though they continue to refer to it as such. However, if it’s not a croc’, what is it?

There are four main crocodilian species: crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials.

Crocodiles are the largest species, growing up to around 20 feet long. They are also the only species of the four to be able to survive in both freshwater and saltwater. Caimans are the smallest, with an adult length of 3.9 to 14 feet. The biggest difference is in their snouts, with alligators sporting a U-shaped snout, crocodiles a V-shaped snout, and the gharial with a long, thin snout.