This Buck Swims For Its Life While Being Chased Down By a Determined Crocodile

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Coming face to face with death is never any animal’s idea of a good time. Being across from a stronger, faster predator and weighing more is enough to intimidate any prey. However, when they are faced with death, they literally have nothing to lose. Let’s see what this antelope does when a hungry crocodile decides to make him its meal. 

Crocodile Hunting Antelope

The YouTube video clip shown at the top of the blog post brings us to the land of Africa. We are at a river where crocodiles lurk, waiting for any food that comes swimming by. The Latest Sightings YouTube page reposted this video once they saw it. And in just the year since it was posted, it has already received a shocking 10 million views! And after you see this antelope kick this crocodile in the face, you’ll understand why. 

Antelope Kicks Crocodile in the Face

As the video above starts out we see an antelope known as a lechwe (Kobus leche) is trying to cross the river. Animals that have to cross the river, such as gazelles, zebras, and buffalo, know how dangerous crossing a river can be. The river is full of predators such as hippos and the highly-feared crocodile. But, when they need to cross the river, they have no choice. 

As the lechwe gets about halfway across the river, likely assuming he’s made it untouched, suddenly, a crocodile emerges from the depths and rushes toward him like a speed boat. Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) are known to be able to swim faster than the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) with up to speeds of 33 miles per hour. 

The buck antelope begins to kick as hard as he can. If he has any hope of getting away, he must use all his strength. With a strong blow to the crocodile’s face, he’s able to get to shore quickly before the crocodile can recover. 

What Shape is a Nile Crocodile’s Snout?

The snout is one of the most notable differences between a crocodile and an alligator. We know that a crocodile’s snout is a V shape in comparison to an alligator with a U shape. However, according to the United States Geological Survey, “the snout of Crocodylus niloticus is more pointed, with a larger number of teeth conspicuously protruding from the mouth when closed.” 

Crocodiles have anywhere from 60 to 70 teeth, depending on their species. This gives them the unique advantage of having a harsh bite. The Crocodylus acutus has one of the highest bite forces in the world, with 3,700 pounds per square inch (PSI). However, the Crocodylus niloticus beats that bite out with 5,000 PSI! 

If it were not for this antelope kicking his way to freedom, this crocodile bite would not have been something he could have escaped from.