Watch a Determined Wildebeest Win a ‘Tug of War’ Battle Against a Crocodile Biting Its Tail

Marvel at the strength and determination of this wildebeest as it drags not just itself but a fierce crocodile up a muddy bank and out of the water. In the clip below, we get to see how a croc lost its meal just when it looked like it was winning!

Where Do Crocodiles Live?

Crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) are highly effective predators and are found on many continents including Africa, Asia and North, South and Central America. They are an ancient species that has changed little in millions of years. There are many different types of crocodile with different geographic ranges. For example, the Nile crocodile is found in lakes, rivers and swamps in African regions south of the Sahara and in parts of Madagascar. Whereas, the Borneo crocodile is found in Borneo.

As this croc is hunting a wildebeest, which are found in Africa, it is likely to be a Nile crocodile. These are regarded as one of the more dangerous crocodiles, from a human perspective, and are responsible for many human deaths each year.

What Do crocodiles Eat?

Nile crocodiles are carnivores but will both hunt for themselves and scavenge. They will eat a wide range of prey that they come across so that includes insects, amphibians, fish, and land mammals. Even an animal as big as a giraffe is considered a target.

 Anything left behind by lions and leopards is also considered fair game.

Wildebeests are a type of antelope and are a large animal for a crocodile to tackle. Nevertheless, these crocs can and do successfully hunt them. The attack is often carried out using an ambush technique and preferably in the water. The migration of wildebeests across rivers is a great opportunity for hungry crocodiles. They lurk in the water and then pounce, gripping on with their powerful jaws as we see here. Staying in the water and executing a death roll is their best bet. If the prey can make it onto dry land, the croc’s short legs make it harder for them to grapple with larger prey.

As we see here, the wildebeest gains a firm foothold and gives a quick lunge forward which is enough to dislodge the croc’s hold. What a lucky escape!

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