Watch a Brave and Territorial Otter Pick a Fight With a Crocodile

Crocodiles are one of the most feared creatures in the animal kingdom. We know these animals to have an unbeatable bite force, stealthy hunting tactics, and incredible death roll abilities. 

On the other hand, there are precious animals like otters in the wild as well. Known for holding hands with their partner as they float on the water, these critters are the perfect prey for a hungry crocodile. 

In a shocking moment caught on film, an otter gets defensive when a crocodile tries to attack. Iain McDonald was brewing tea at Zambia’s Kafue National Park when he observed a thunderous roar coming from across a river.

Watch the Brave Otter in the Video Below

In a shocking realization, McDonald noticed that the scream was coming from an eight-foot-long crocodile. To defend itself, an otter bit the ancient beast’s tail not once, but twice! 

Unfazed by the monster’s futile attempts to fight back, the otter struck once more, attacking the croc’s body. Witnessing something so strange left McDonald feeling rather confused. 

He says, “The otter was certainly playing with fire but looking back over the footage it seemed to be cunning. By launching attacks at the crocodile’s tail, it avoided the sharp end.”

The otter went a few feet away after the encounter, took a sip of water, and then dashed into the nearby brush. Before heading into the river, the crocodile lingered nearby for a little while longer.

How Do Otters Defend Themselves?

On the Californian coast, great white sharks are the main killer of otters. Recent research in Alaska found that sea otters are becoming increasingly common prey for orcas there. Overfishing along with other natural disruptions that take place across time and space may also be motivating orcas to consume more otters. 

Otters have also reportedly been preyed upon by eagles, wolves, bears, and crocodiles. They have three primary means of evading predators: running, hiding in the vegetation where they reside, and rising to the surface. They can utilize their powerful teeth to communicate with other otters.

Do Crocodiles Have Predators?

Although apex predators themselves, crocodiles have to be aware of their surroundings. No, otters are not a concern for these reptiles. The main enemy in the wild for crocodiles is humans. 

In addition, large cats like leopards and lions will attack a crocodile if necessary. This usually happens in the croc gets too close to a big cat or its young. There have also been reports of large snakes attacking crocodiles.